Description

The process of apoptosis requires the activation of aspartate-specific cystenine proteases in the caspase family. Group I caspases (1,4,5) cleave at (W/L)EHD tetrapeptide motifs, while group II caspases (2,3,7) cleave the DEXD tetrapeptide motif. Group III caspases (6,8,9) are activators of other caspases via cleavage of (I/V)EXD tetrapeptide sequences. Apoptotic protease-activating factor-1 (Apaf-1), cytochrome c, and dATP activate caspase-9, which in turn, initiates the post-mitochondrial-mediated caspase cascade that includes caspase-2, 3, 6, 7, 8 and 10. Apaf-1 is a soluble protein with a short N-terminal caspase recruitment domain (CARD), a central CED-4 homology domain, and 12 WD-40 repeats that may be involved in protein-protein interactions. During apoptosis, a large (700 kDa) aposome complex containing Apaf-1, cytochrome c, caspase-3, 7, and 9, and a smaller (200-300 kDa) microaposome complex containing caspase-3 and 7 exhibit higher cleavage activity than "free" caspase heterotetramers. Thus Apaf-1 is a component of the large aposome complex, which functions in caspase activation leading to caspase-dependent proteolytic events and apoptosis.

Format

Suggested Companion Products

Preparation and Storage

The monoclonal antibody was purified from tissue culture supernatant or ascites by affinity chromatography.Store undiluted at -20°C.

Product Notices

1. Since applications vary, each investigator should titrate the reagent to obtain optimal results.
2. Please refer to www.bdbiosciences.com/pharmingen/protocols for technical protocols.
3. Caution: Sodium azide yields highly toxic hydrazoic acid under acidic conditions. Dilute azide compounds in running water before discarding to avoid accumulation of potentially explosive deposits in plumbing.
4. Source of all serum proteins is from USDA inspected abattoirs located in the United States.