| 摘要 |
An isolated nucleic acid molecule is provided which encodes a mammalian signal transducing protein (Killer) involved in the induction of apoptosis. The encoded protein comprises an amino-terminal extracellular domain, a hydrophobic transmembrane domain, and a carboxy-terminal death domain that can form protein-protein interactions with other death domain-containing proteins to transmit the signals required for apoptosis. The invention also provides the Killer protein and antibodies thereto. These biological molecules are useful as diagnostic and therapeutic agents for the identification, detection and regulation of complex signaling events leading to apoptotic death. The molecules may also be used to advantage for assessing the potential chemosensitivity of a targeted tumor cell. Additionally, these molecules may be used as research tools to facilitate the elucidation of the mechanistic action of the Killer proteins of the invention. |
