Skip NavigationSkip to Content
Return Return to Search Results

Apo cytochrome c inhibits caspases by preventing apoptosome formation

  1. Author:
    Martin, A. G.
    Nguyen, J.
    Wells, J. A.
    Fearnhead, H. O.

  2. Author Address

    Fearnhead, HO, NCI, Apoptosis Sect, Lab Prot Dynam & Signaling, Ft Detrick, MD 21702 USA NCI, Apoptosis Sect, Lab Prot Dynam & Signaling, Ft Detrick, MD 21702 USA. Sunesis Pharmaceut, San Francisco, CA 94080 USA.
    1. Year: 2004
  2. Journal: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
    1. 319
    2. 3
    3. Pages: 944-950
  4. Type of Article: Article
  1. Abstract:

    Caspases are cysteine proteases and potent inducers of apoptosis. Their activation and activity is therefore tightly regulated. There are several mechanisms by which caspases can be activated but one key pathway involves release of holo cytochrome c from mitochondria into the cytoplasm. Cytoplasmic holo cytochrome c binds to apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (Apaf-1), driving the formation of an Apaf-1 oligomer (the apoptosome) which in turn binds and activates caspase-9. Previously we showed that the apo form of cytochrome c (lacking heme) can bind Apaf-1 and block both holo-dependent caspase activation in cell extracts and Bax-induced apoptosis in cells. Here we tested the ability of apo cytochrome c to inhibit caspase-9 activation induced by recombinant Apaf-1. Furthermore, using purified proteins and size exclusion chromatography we show that apo cytochrome c prevents holo cytochrome c-dependent apoptosome formation. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

    See More

  1. Keywords:

External Sources

  1. No sources found.

Library Notes

  1. No notes added.
NCI at Frederick

You are leaving a government website.

This external link provides additional information that is consistent with the intended purpose of this site. The government cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal site.

Linking to a non-federal site does not constitute an endorsement by this institution or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the site. You will be subject to the destination site's privacy policy when you follow the link.

ContinueCancel