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Updated: Sep 18, 2025

Measuring Caspase Activity Using a Fluorometric Assay or Flow Cytometry
Published on: March 24, 2023
Caspases as master regulators of programmed cell death: apoptosis, pyroptosis and beyond
So Hee Dho1, Minjeong Cho1, Wonjin Woo1
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Caspases are crucial regulators of programmed cell death, mediating pathways such as apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis and ferroptosis. Their activity is intricately controlled by epigenetic modifications, molecular interactions and post-translational changes, reflecting their central role in cellular homeostasis and disease mechanisms. Dysregulated caspase functions are linked to a wide array of conditions, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders and inflammatory diseases, establishing their importance as potential therapeutic targets. The roles and regulation of caspases across subcellular compartments and their molecular interactions provide critical insights into the complexity of programmed cell death. Here, this review synthesizes current knowledge on the diverse functions of caspases, offering a comprehensive foundation for exploring innovative therapeutic strategies.
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