The apoptosome is a molecular complex of two major components – the adapter protein apoptotic protease activating factor 1 (Apaf1) and the protease caspase‐9. These are assembled during apoptosis upon Apaf1 interaction with cytochrome c, which is released from the intermembrane space of mitochondria under precise cell death stimuli. Apoptosome assembly triggers effector caspase activation, which – in turn – drives cell demise. Several proteins bind and regulate apoptosome. This complex is found in vertebrates, even though similar functions are played by ortholog proteins through slightly different mechanisms also in lower eukaryotes. Given the involvement of apoptosome dysfunctions in human diseases, this complex is also a relevant molecular target in biomedicine.
The Apoptosome: The Executioner of Mitochondria-mediated Apoptosis
Ferraro E
2009-01-01
Abstract
The apoptosome is a molecular complex of two major components – the adapter protein apoptotic protease activating factor 1 (Apaf1) and the protease caspase‐9. These are assembled during apoptosis upon Apaf1 interaction with cytochrome c, which is released from the intermembrane space of mitochondria under precise cell death stimuli. Apoptosome assembly triggers effector caspase activation, which – in turn – drives cell demise. Several proteins bind and regulate apoptosome. This complex is found in vertebrates, even though similar functions are played by ortholog proteins through slightly different mechanisms also in lower eukaryotes. Given the involvement of apoptosome dysfunctions in human diseases, this complex is also a relevant molecular target in biomedicine.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
