Members of the caspase family of proteases play essential roles in the initiation and execution of apoptosis. These caspases are divided into two groups: the initiator caspases (caspase-2, −8, −9 and −10), which are the first to be activated in response to a signal, and the executioner caspases (caspase-3, −6, and −7) that carry out the demolition phase of apoptosis.
Downregulation of caspase-3 is an effective apoptosis-evading mechanism frequently observed in cancer cells in association with acquired chemoresistance to apoptosis-inducing anticancer drugs. Indeed, re-expression of caspase-3 often restores sensitivity to apoptosis.
Caspase-7:
Role: Executioner caspase similar to caspase-3.
Cancers: Expression levels can vary; often studied in breast and prostate cancers.
Prognosis: Its prognostic value is less clear and may depend on the cancer type.
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