Apaf-1, a human protein homologous to C. elegans CED-4, participates in cytochrome c-dependent activation of caspase-3

Article Abstract:

Research work has been undertaken into the purification, cDNA cloning and characterization of Apaf-1, a 130 kd protein from HeLa cell cytosol. This protein plays a role in the cytochrome c-dependent activation of caspase-3. Activated caspase-3 will cleave and activate the 45 kd subunit of DNA fragmentation factor, which subsequently prompts the degradation of DNA in nucleosomal fragments. There is evidence to suggest that Apaf-1 may be the mammalian homolog of CED-4. It does not appear to be a caspase itself.

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Hibernation proteins: Preparing for life in the freezer

Article Abstract:

Hibernation is an extreme response to a seasonal environment, yet nothing about how it is timed or how vital cellular functions are sustained in the face of plummeting body temperature is known. A liver-derived protein complex is identified as an essential coordinator of this adaptation to the depredations of winter.

Science & research, Protein research, Hibernation

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Life, Sex, and WT1 isoforms--three amino acids can make all the difference

Article Abstract:

Results point out that the Wilms' tumor suppresor gene, WT1, encodes upto 24 protein isoforms through a combination of alternative splicing, translational start sites, and RNA editing. Two alternative splice products with only three amino acid difference between them exhibit different biologcal functions.

Analysis, Genetic aspects, Genomes, Amino acids, Isoenzymes, Amino acid structure-activity relationships, Nephroblastoma

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