APAF1 Rabbit Polyclonal Antibody

Function

Apoptotic protease activating factor 1, also known as APAF1, is a human homolog of C. elegans CED-4 gene. This gene encodes a cytoplasmic protein that forms one of the central hubs in the apoptosis regulatory network. This protein contains (from the N terminal) a caspase recruitment domain (CARD), an ATPase domain (NB-ARC), few short helical domains and then several copies of the WD40 repeat domain. Upon binding cytochrome c and dATP, this protein forms an oligomeric apoptosome. The apoptosome binds and cleaves caspase 9 preproprotein, releasing its mature, activated form. The precise mechanism for this reaction is still debated though work published by Guy Salvesen suggests that the apoptosome may induce caspase 9 dimerization and subsequent autocatalysis. Activated caspase 9 stimulates the subsequent caspase cascade that commits the cell to apoptosis.

Background References

1. Chu, Z L; Pio F; Xie Z; Welsh K; Krajewska M; Krajewski S; Godzik A; Reed J C (March 2001). "A novel enhancer of the Apaf1 apoptosome involved in cytochrome c-dependent caspase activation and apoptosis". J. Biol. Chem. (United States) 276 (12): 9239–45.

2. Cho, Dong-Hyung; Hong Yeon-Mi; Lee Ho-June; Woo Ha-Na; Pyo Jong-Ok; Mak Tak W; Jung Yong-Keun (September 2004). "Induced inhibition of ischemic/hypoxic injury by APIP, a novel Apaf-1-interacting protein". J. Biol. Chem. (United States) 279 (38): 39942–50.

3. Riedl SJ, Li W, Chao Y, Schwarzenbacher R, Shi Y (April 2005). "Structure of the apoptotic protease-activating factor 1 bound to ADP". Nature 434 (7035): 926–33.

Tissue Specificity

Ubiquitous. Highest levels of expression in adult spleen and peripheral blood leukocytes, and in fetal brain, kidney and lung. Isoform 1 is expressed in heart, kidney and liver.

Subcellular Location

Cytoplasm

UNIPROT

SwissProt: O14727 Human

SwissProt: O88879 Mouse

Synonyms