CASP7, Caspase-7, apoptosis-related cysteine peptidase, is a human protein encoded by the CASP7 gene. CASP7 orthologs have been identified in nearly all mammals for which complete genome data are available. CASP7 is a member of the caspase (cysteine aspartate protease) family of proteins, and has been shown to be an executioner protein of apoptosis. Using radiation hybrid mapping, the CASP7 gene was localized to human chromosome 10q25.1-q25.2. The orderly activation of CASP7 regulates microglia activation through a protein kinase C-delta (PRKCD)-dependent pathway.