Mitochondria Release Protein

Caspase-dependent apoptosis refers to the tightly regulated process of programmed cell death (apoptosis) that relies fundamentally on the sequential activation and proteolytic activity of a family of cysteine proteases known as caspases. These enzymes are the central executioners of apoptosis, orchestrating the precise dismantling of the cell without causing inflammation, a crucial distinction from necrotic cell death. In healthy cells, caspases exist as inactive precursors (zymogens, or procaspases), ensuring that the destructive machinery is unleashed only when appropriate.