| abstract |
Caspase activation and recruitment domain of Caspase-2. Caspase activation and recruitment domain (CARD) similar to that found in caspase-2. Caspases are aspartate-specific cysteine proteases with functions in apoptosis and immune signaling. Caspase-2 (also known as ICH1, NEDD2, or CASP2) is one of the most evolutionarily conserved caspases, and plays a role in apoptosis, DNA damage response, cell cycle regulation, and tumor suppression. It is localized in the nucleus and exhibits properties of both an initiator and an effector caspase. In general, CARDs are death domains (DDs) found associated with caspases. They are known to be important in the signaling pathways for apoptosis, inflammation, and host-defense mechanisms. DDs are protein-protein interaction domains found in a variety of domain architectures. Their common feature is that they form homodimers by self-association or heterodimers by associating with other members of the DD superfamily including PYRIN and DED (Death Effector Domain). They serve as adaptors in signaling pathways and can recruit other proteins into signaling complexes. |