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Merck
CN

Caspase-9.

The international journal of biochemistry & cell biology (2000-02-25)
K Kuida
ABSTRACT

Caspase-9 is a member of caspase family of cysteine proteases that have been implicated in apoptosis and cytokine processing. When cells receive apoptotic stimuli, mitochondria releases cytochrome c which then binds to Apaf-1, the mammalian Ced-4 homologue, together with dATP. The resultant complex recruits Caspase-9 leading to its activation. Activated Caspase-9 cleaves downstream caspases such as Caspase-3, -6 and -7 initiating the caspase cascade. The majority of homozygous Caspase-9 null mice die perinatally with a markedly enlarged and malformed cerebrum caused by a reduction of apoptosis during early brain development. Thus, Caspase-9 function is essential for apoptosis during normal development of the central nervous system. These data suggest that inhibition of Caspase-9 activity would render opportunity to treat patients suffering from neurological diseases such as stroke, neurodegenerative diseases or brain injury caused by hypoxia.

MATERIALS
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Product Description

Sigma-Aldrich
Caspase 9 human, ≥90% (SDS-PAGE), recombinant, expressed in E. coli (C-terminal histidine-tagged), buffered aqueous solution, >2,000 units/mg protein