Abstract
The nematode CED-4 protein and its human homolog Apaf-1 play a central role in apoptosis by functioning as direct activators of death-inducing caspases. A novel human CED-4/Apaf-1 family member called CARD4 was identified that has a domain structure strikingly similar to the cytoplasmic, receptor-like proteins that mediate disease resistance in plants. CARD4 interacted with the serine-threonine kinase RICK and potently induced NF-kappaB activity through TRAF-6 and NIK signaling molecules. In addition, coexpression of CARD4 augmented caspase-9-induced apoptosis. Thus, CARD4 coordinates downstream NF-kappaB and apoptotic signaling pathways and may be a component of the host innate immune response.
MeSH terms
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Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing*
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Amino Acid Sequence
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Apoptosis*
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Apoptotic Protease-Activating Factor 1
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Base Sequence
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Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins*
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Calcium-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
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Carrier Proteins / genetics
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Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
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DNA, Complementary
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Helminth Proteins / metabolism*
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Humans
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Molecular Sequence Data
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NF-kappa B / metabolism*
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Nod1 Signaling Adaptor Protein
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Proteins / metabolism*
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Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
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Signal Transduction
Substances
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APAF1 protein, human
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Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
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Apoptotic Protease-Activating Factor 1
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Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins
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Calcium-Binding Proteins
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Carrier Proteins
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Ced-4 protein, C elegans
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DNA, Complementary
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Helminth Proteins
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NF-kappa B
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NOD1 protein, human
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Nod1 Signaling Adaptor Protein
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Proteins