Truncated apaf-1 and methods of use thereof

摘要

Truncated Apaf-1 nucleic acids and encoded polypeptides are provided. Also provided are self-oligomerizing caspase molecules capable of self-processing. In one embodiment the present invention provides methods for identifying apoptotic inhibitors and enhancers use whole cell or reconstituted component assay systems. In a further embodiment, truncated Apaf-1 and self-oligomerizing caspase constructs are described which can be provided to a cell, thereby inducing apoptosis.