Precursor of a pore-forming protein that converts non-inflammatory apoptosis to pyroptosis. This form constitutes the precursor of the pore-forming protein: upon cleavage, the released N-terminal moiety (Gasdermin-E, N-terminal) binds to membranes and forms pores, triggering pyroptosis.; Pore-forming protein produced by cleavage by CASP3 or granzyme B (GZMB), which converts non-inflammatory apoptosis to pyroptosis or promotes granzyme-mediated pyroptosis, respectively. After cleavage, moves to the plasma membrane, homooligomerizes within the membrane and forms pores of 10-15 nanometers (nm) of inner diameter, triggering pyroptosis. Binds to inner leaflet lipids, bisphosphorylated phosphatidylinositols, such as phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate. Cleavage by CASP3 switches CASP3-mediated apoptosis induced by TNF or danger signals, such as chemotherapy drugs, to pyroptosis. Mediates secondary necrosis downstream of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and CASP3 activation as well as in response to viral agents. Exhibits bactericidal activity. Cleavage by GZMB promotes tumor suppressor activity by triggering robust anti-tumor immunity. Suppresses tumors by mediating granzyme-mediated pyroptosis in target cells of natural killer (NK) cells: cleavage by granzyme B (GZMB), delivered to target cells from NK-cells, triggers pyroptosis of tumor cells and tumor suppression. May play a role in the p53/TP53-regulated cellular response to DNA damage.
