DFFA
Encyclopedia
The C-terminal domain
of DFFA (DFF-C) consists of four alpha-helices, which are folded
in a helix-packing arrangement, with alpha-2 and alpha-3 packing against a long C-terminal helix
(alpha-4). The main function of this domain is the inhibition of DFFB
by binding to its C-terminal catalytic domain through ionic interactions, thereby inhibiting the fragmentation of DNA
in the apoptotic
process. In addition to blocking the DNase activity of DFFB, the C-terminal region of DFFA is also important for the DFFB-specific folding chaperone activity, as demonstrated by the ability of DFFA to refold DFFB.
Protein domain
A protein domain is a part of protein sequence and structure that can evolve, function, and exist independently of the rest of the protein chain. Each domain forms a compact three-dimensional structure and often can be independently stable and folded. Many proteins consist of several structural...
of DFFA (DFF-C) consists of four alpha-helices, which are folded
Protein folding
Protein folding is the process by which a protein structure assumes its functional shape or conformation. It is the physical process by which a polypeptide folds into its characteristic and functional three-dimensional structure from random coil....
in a helix-packing arrangement, with alpha-2 and alpha-3 packing against a long C-terminal helix
Helix
A helix is a type of smooth space curve, i.e. a curve in three-dimensional space. It has the property that the tangent line at any point makes a constant angle with a fixed line called the axis. Examples of helixes are coil springs and the handrails of spiral staircases. A "filled-in" helix – for...
(alpha-4). The main function of this domain is the inhibition of DFFB
DFFB
-Further reading:...
by binding to its C-terminal catalytic domain through ionic interactions, thereby inhibiting the fragmentation of DNA
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms . The DNA segments that carry this genetic information are called genes, but other DNA sequences have structural purposes, or are involved in...
in the apoptotic
Apoptosis
Apoptosis is the process of programmed cell death that may occur in multicellular organisms. Biochemical events lead to characteristic cell changes and death. These changes include blebbing, cell shrinkage, nuclear fragmentation, chromatin condensation, and chromosomal DNA fragmentation...
process. In addition to blocking the DNase activity of DFFB, the C-terminal region of DFFA is also important for the DFFB-specific folding chaperone activity, as demonstrated by the ability of DFFA to refold DFFB.