Anti-CARD4 (Caspase Recruitment Domain 4, Nod1)

Apoptosis or programmed cell death is a fundamental cellular process that is essential for normal tissue development and abnormal growth. Apoptosis is driven by two classes of specialized proteases known as caspases (Cysteine Aspartase). Several key factors are released from the mitochondria that regulate apoptosis. The first such factor (Cytochrome-C) to be described binds to a cytoplasmic scaffolding protein called Apaf-1 (Apoptosis Protease activating factor-1), a homolog of C. elegans Ced-4. Both Apaf-1 and Ced-4 are composed of an N-terminal Caspase Recrutiment domain (CARD) linked to a Nuceoltide-bidning domain (NBD), also known as NB-ARC or NOD domain. Ced-4 and Apaf-1 self-associate via the NBD and activate Casp-3 and -9. In response to certain apoptotic stimuli, Cytochrome-C is released from the mitochondria and binds to Apaf-1 to form a ternary complex with, and activate, the initiator pro-caspase-9. Active caspase-9 then turns on downstream effector caspases, initiating apoptosis. Recently, Additional members of Apaf-1 family, NOD1/CARD4 and NOD2 have been cloned and characterized., Nod1/CARD4 (mouse 953-aa, human 953 aa, chromosome 7p15-p14, mol wt ~130kD) contains an N-terminal CARD motif, an NBD, and unlike APAF1, 10 tandem leucine-rich repeats (LRR) in its C terminus. It has abundant expression in adult heart, spleen, and lung, as well as in numerous cancer cell lines and fetal tissues. NOD1 preferentially interacts with procaspases containing CARDs or death effector domains (DEDs), as well as with itself, RICK, and CLARP, but not with RAIDD (CRADD), APAF1, NIK, or other CARD- or DED-containing proteins. The CARD was found to be essential for NOD1 to bind and activate CASP9, as well as to promote apoptosis. Applications: Suitable for use in ELISA. Western Blot, though not tested, may potentially be used as an application. Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilution: Western Blot: 1-5ug/ml using ECL., ELISA: 0.5-1ug/ml, Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. Control Peptide: C1340-01 , Storage and Stability:, May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. For long-term storage, store at -20°C. Aliquots are stable for at least 12 months at -20°C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.