Apaf1 Blocking Peptide

This gene encodes a cytoplasmic protein that initiates apoptosis. This protein contains several copies of the WD-40 domain, a caspase recruitment domain (CARD), and an ATPase domain (NB-ARC). 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. Activated caspase 9 stimulates the subsequent caspase cascade that commits the cell to apoptosis. Alternative splicing results in several transcript variants encoding different isoforms. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

APAF: Oligomeric Apaf-1 mediates the cytochrome c-dependent autocatalytic activation of pro-caspase-9 (Apaf-3), leading to the activation of caspase-3 and apoptosis. This activation requires ATP. Isoform 6 is less effective in inducing apoptosis. Monomer. Oligomerizes upon binding of cytochrome c and dATP. Oligomeric Apaf-1 and pro-caspase-9 bind to each other via their respective NH2-terminal CARD domains and consecutively mature caspase-9 is released from the complex. Pro-caspase-3 is recruited into the Apaf-1-pro-caspase-9 complex via interaction with pro-caspase-9. Interacts with APIP. Interacts (via CARD and NACHT domains) with NAIP/BIRC1 (via NACHT domain). By E2F and p53/TP53 in apoptotic neurons. 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. 6 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative splicing.

Protein type: Apoptosis

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 12q23

Cellular Component: nucleus; cytosol; apoptosome

Molecular Function: identical protein binding; protein binding; nucleotide binding; caspase activator activity; ADP binding; ATP binding

Biological Process: caspase activation; regulation of apoptosis; nervous system development; neuron apoptosis; apoptosis; positive regulation of apoptosis; forebrain development; neural tube closure; caspase activation via cytochrome c