Caspase-3 molecule. Computer artwork showing the secondary structure of a molecule of caspase-3. Caspase-3 is a protease, an enzyme that cleaves prote

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Caspase-3 molecule. Computer artwork showing the secondary structure of a molecule of caspase-3. Caspase-3 is a protease, an enzyme that cleaves proteins, that plays a role in apoptosis (programmed cell death). It causes the fragmentation of actin filaments, part of a cell's cytoskeleton, and the inactivation of the DNA repairing enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. It also activates other caspases as part of the caspase cascade of apoptosis. Caspase-3 is the predominant caspase involved in Alzheimer's disease, processing the protein that is associated with neurone death.

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Size: 5799px × 4536px
Photo credit: © DR MARK J. WINTER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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