Summary
Performance
Immunogen
Application
Background
Caspases are a family of cysteine proteases that play an essential role in carrying out apoptosis. Caspase-14, also named MICE, is a unique member of the caspase family with restricted expression; it is found in embryonic tissues and adult skin. Caspase-14 is weakly processed into p18 and p11 subunits by caspase-8. May also be responsible for proteolytic processing of filaggrin during terminal differentiation of keratinocytes. Non-apoptotic caspase involved in epidermal differentiation. Is the predominant caspase in epidermal stratum corneum (PubMed:15556625). Seems to play a role in keratinocyte differentiation and is required for cornification. Regulates maturation of the epidermis by proteolytically processing filaggrin (By similarity). In vitro has a preference for the substrate [WY]-X-X-D motif and is active on the synthetic caspase substrate WEHD-ACF (PubMed:16854378, PubMed:19960512). Involved in processing of prosaposin in the epidermis (By similarity). May be involved in retinal pigment epithelium cell barrier function (PubMed:25121097). Involved in DNA degradation in differentiated keratinocytes probably by cleaving DFFA/ICAD leading to liberation of DFFB/CAD (PubMed:24743736).
Research Area
Cell Biology
