Caspase-2 and the oxidative stress response

Abstract

Caspase-2, one of the earliest discovered caspases, has emerged as a multifunctional enzyme with roles that are not limited to cell death. It acts as a tumor suppressor, prevents genetic instability, and protects against aging by playing a crucial role in sensing alterations in cellular redox status and activating the antioxidant defense system. These apparent non-apoptotic functions, only discovered recently, emphasize the importance of this often-neglected protease.