Caspase-6 (EC 3.4.22.59; MEROPS identifier C14.005) is a cysteine endopeptidase from family C14. It cleaves aspartyl bonds, and has a preference for Val in P4, Glu or Gln in P3, His or Val in P2 and Gly in P1' [, ]similar to the initiator caspases 8 and 9 []. Caspase-6 processes its own precursor to generate a two-chain form [, ]and lamin A []and STAB1 [], which are not cleaved by caspases 3 or 7. Unusually, caspase-6 activity is unaffected by XIAP []. Caspase-6 is an initiator caspase activated by caspases 3 and 7 []and activating caspase-8 [, ]. It also translocates to the nucleus where processing of lamin A occurs.This entry also includes SfAV caspase from Spodoptera frugiperda ascovirus (MEROPS identifier C14.037), which is an executioner caspase that can induce apoptosis in host insect cells [].
