Caspases are proteases primarily known for their role in apoptosis, but recent research highlights their diverse functions in cell death and other biological processes. Caspases such as caspase-1 and -11 are involved in inflammation and pyroptosis, while caspase-8 has dual roles in apoptosis and necroptosis. Caspase-3 contributes to tissue differentiation and neural development without apoptotic activity. Other caspases, like caspase-2, -8, and -14, have anti-tumor roles, though increased expression in certain tumors can promote tumorigenesis. Caspase-2 also plays a role in genomic stability, metabolism, and aging. Caspases are involved in various cell death pathways, including necroptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy, and have non-cell death functions such as proliferation, differentiation, and immune regulation. They are crucial in inflammation, with caspase-1 and -11 involved in processing inflammatory cytokines. Caspases also regulate cell fate determination, differentiation, and tissue regeneration. In cancer, caspases can act as tumor suppressors or promoters depending on context. Caspase-2, -3, -6, and -7 are involved in cell proliferation and tumor progression. Caspase-8 is linked to immune homeostasis and cancer development. Caspase-14 is expressed in skin and plays a role in cornification. Caspases are also involved in aging, with caspase-1 and -6 linked to age-related diseases like Alzheimer's and sarcopenia. Overall, caspases have diverse and complex roles beyond apoptosis, influencing cell death, inflammation, tissue homeostasis, and disease progression.Caspases are proteases primarily known for their role in apoptosis, but recent research highlights their diverse functions in cell death and other biological processes. Caspases such as caspase-1 and -11 are involved in inflammation and pyroptosis, while caspase-8 has dual roles in apoptosis and necroptosis. Caspase-3 contributes to tissue differentiation and neural development without apoptotic activity. Other caspases, like caspase-2, -8, and -14, have anti-tumor roles, though increased expression in certain tumors can promote tumorigenesis. Caspase-2 also plays a role in genomic stability, metabolism, and aging. Caspases are involved in various cell death pathways, including necroptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy, and have non-cell death functions such as proliferation, differentiation, and immune regulation. They are crucial in inflammation, with caspase-1 and -11 involved in processing inflammatory cytokines. Caspases also regulate cell fate determination, differentiation, and tissue regeneration. In cancer, caspases can act as tumor suppressors or promoters depending on context. Caspase-2, -3, -6, and -7 are involved in cell proliferation and tumor progression. Caspase-8 is linked to immune homeostasis and cancer development. Caspase-14 is expressed in skin and plays a role in cornification. Caspases are also involved in aging, with caspase-1 and -6 linked to age-related diseases like Alzheimer's and sarcopenia. Overall, caspases have diverse and complex roles beyond apoptosis, influencing cell death, inflammation, tissue homeostasis, and disease progression.