Apoptosome: the cellular engine for the activation of caspase-9

Yigong Shi

doi:10.1016/s0969-2126(02)00732-3

Apoptosome: the cellular engine for the activation of caspase-9

Structure. 2002 Mar;10(3):285-8. doi: 10.1016/s0969-2126(02)00732-3.

Author

Yigong Shi¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Molecular Biology, Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Princeton University, New Jersey 08544, USA. yshi@molbio.princeton.edu

PMID: 12005427
DOI: 10.1016/s0969-2126(02)00732-3

Abstract

Characterization of the apoptosome by cryo-EM reveals a wheel-shaped heptameric assembly involving Apaf-1 and cytochrome c. This structure provides a framework for understanding the activation mechanisms of caspase-9, an important initiator caspase in apoptosis.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
Review

MeSH terms

Apoptosis / physiology*
Apoptotic Protease-Activating Factor 1
Caspase 9
Caspases / chemistry*
Caspases / metabolism*
Cryoelectron Microscopy
Cytochrome c Group / chemistry*
Dimerization
Enzyme Activation
Models, Molecular
Protein Structure, Tertiary*
Proteins / chemistry*

Substances

Apoptotic Protease-Activating Factor 1
Cytochrome c Group
Proteins
Caspase 9
Caspases