CASP2 and optic nerve disorder: In conclusion, our results demonstrate that caspase-2: (1), plays a critical role in RGC apoptosis and that inhibition of caspase-2 significantly rescues RGC from death; (2), triggers RGC apoptosis in a manner that is distinct to that elicited by caspase-6 or -8; and (3), protects RGC from apoptosis after visual trauma and injury, including glaucoma [56] and optic neuropathies [57].