Background: Apoptosis is characterized by several morphological nuclear changes including chromatin condensation and nuclear fragmentation. These changes are triggered by the activation of members of caspase family, caspase activated DNase, and several novel proteins (1). A novel gene, the product of which causes chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation, was recently identified, cloned, and designated apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) (2). Like the critical molecules, cytochrome c and caspase-9, in apoptosis, AIF localizes in mitochondria. AIF translocates to the nucleus when apoptosis is induced and induces mitochondria to release the apoptogenic proteins cytochrome c and caspase-9. AIF induces chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation, which are the hallmarks of apoptosis, of the isolated nucleus and the nucleus in live cells by microinjection. AIF is highly conserved between human and mouse and widely expressed (2).
Positive Control: K562 cell lysate.
Immunogen: A synthetic peptide corresponding to amino acids 109 to 122 of human AIF (2). This sequence is identical to those of mouse and rat AIF (2).
Purification Method: Antigen Immunoaffiinity Purification.
Formulation: Provided in phosphate buffered saline solution containing 0.02% sodium azide as a preservative.
References: 1. Condensed matter in cell death. Zamzami, N. and Kroemer, G. Nature 1999, 401, 127-8
2. Molecular characterization of mitochondrial apoptosis-inducing factor. Susin, S.A., et al., Nature 1999, 397, 441-6.
UniProt: O95831 (Human)
Q9Z0X1 (Mouse)
Q9JM53 (Rat).
Caution: This product is intended FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY, and FOR TESTS IN VITRO, not for use in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures involving humans or animals.