Caspase-3, Bad, Bax (N/A)

This entry incorrectly groups three distinct molecular targets: Caspase-3, Bad, and Bax. Caspase-3 is a cysteine-aspartic protease and key executioner in apoptosis. Bad is a pro-apoptotic BH3-only protein that antagonizes anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. Bax is a key pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member that facilitates mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization. While all three are involved in the apoptosis pathway and are recognized therapeutic targets, they represent independent gene products, structures, specific functions, and have distinct therapeutic implications. They should be catalogued individually for biomedical or drug discovery purposes.

This entry comprises three distinct proteins with varied mechanisms of action. Caspase-3 acts as an executioner protease leading to programmed cell death. BAD promotes apoptosis by neutralizing anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. BAX promotes mitochondrial permeabilization and cytochrome c release, leading to caspase activation. Each plays a distinct role within the apoptosis pathway.