Caspases

Caspases are a group of specialized enzymes that play a crucial role in controlled cell death, known as apoptosis, and in inflammatory responses. Think of them as biochemical "executioners" that, when activated, cleave specific proteins inside the cell to systematically dismantle it, preventing damage to surrounding tissues. This process helps maintain healthy cell turnover and responses to injury or infection. Caspases are tightly regulated to ensure cells only die when necessary, contributing to overall tissue health and preventing diseases like cancer or inflammation from developing due to uncontrolled cell growth or improper cell death.