APAF1

APAF1

A gene on chromosome 12q23.1 that encodes a cytoplasmic protein, which initiates apoptosis. Apoptotic peptidase-activating factor 1 contains several copies of the WD-40 domain, a caspase recruitment domain (CARD) and an ATPase domain (NB-ARC). Upon binding cytochrome c and dATP, APAF-1 forms an oligomeric apoptosome, which binds and cleaves caspase-9 preproprotein, releasing the activated form, which stimulates the caspase cascade that commits the cell to apoptosis.