Apaf-1, the CED-4 human homologue, an activator of caspase 3

Abstract

This patent describes the discovery and methods of use of the human gene called ‘apoptotic protease activating factor-1’ (Apaf-1). Apaf-1 is a mammalian homologue of the Caenorhabditis elegans cell death gene CED-4, retaining considerable sequence and region similarity. The biochemical function of Apaf-1 is also demonstrated to be conserved in its ability to mediate activation of caspases and in particular caspase 3, the mammalian homologue of the C. elegans pro-apoptotic enzyme CED-3. The discovery of Apaf-1 led to the elucidation of a proximal pathway of caspase activation requiring pro-apoptotic factors released from the mitochondria. It is currently considered that Apaf-1 is a viable protein target to modulate caspase activation and cell death.

• Apaf-1
• apoptosis
• caspase
• CED-4
• cell death