ENZYME

ENZYME entry: EC 3.4.22.59

Accepted Name

Caspase-6.

Alternative Name(s)

Apoptotic protease Mch-2.

CASP-6.

Mch2.

Reaction catalysed

Strict requirement for Asp at position P1 and has a preferred cleavage sequence of Val-Glu-His-Asp-|-

Comment(s)

Caspase-6 is an effector/executioner caspase, as are caspase-3 (EC 3.4.22.56) and caspase-7 (EC 3.4.22.60).
These caspases are responsible for the proteolysis of the majority of cellular polypeptides, (e.g. poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)), which lead to the apoptotic phenotype.
Caspase-6 can cleave its prodomain to produce mature caspase-6, which directly activates caspase-8 (EC 3.4.22.61) and leads to cytochrome c release from the mitochondria; the release of cytochrome c, which is an essential component of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway.
Can also cleave and inactivate lamins, the intermediate filament scaffold proteins of the nuclear envelope, leading to nuclear fragementation in the final phases of apoptosis.
Belongs to peptidase family C14.

Cross-references

PROSITE

BRENDA

EC2PDB

ExplorEnz

PRIAM enzyme-specific profiles

KEGG Ligand Database for Enzyme Nomenclature