Casp3

This gene encodes a protein that belongs to a highly conserved family of cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteases that function as essential regulators of programmed cell death through apoptosis. Members of this family contain an N-terminal pro-domain and require cleavage at specific aspartate residues to become mature. The protein encoded by this gene belongs to a subgroup of cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteases that are activated by initiator caspases and that perform the proteolytic cleavage of apoptotic target proteins. Mice defective for this gene exhibit a variety of phenotypes including reduced neuronal apoptosis resulting in hyperplasias, hearing loss, attenuated osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal stem cells, and pre- and post-natal lethality. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2015]

A protein domain is a distinct structural or functional region within a protein that can evolve, function, and exist independently of the rest of the protein chain. These domains in mouse Casp3 often fold into stable, three-dimensional structures and are associated with specific biological functions, such as binding to DNA, other proteins, or small molecules.

Biological processes and signaling networks where the Casp3 gene in mouse plays a role, providing insight into its function and relevance in health or disease.

The most significant associations for this gene, including commonly observed domains, pathway involvement, and functional highlights based on current data.

Locations within the cell where the protein is known or predicted to be active, providing insight into its function and cellular context.

Describes the biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions associated with the mouse Casp3 gene, providing context for its role in the cell.