DAP3: Proteins and Enzymes

Death Associated Protein 3 (DAP3) is a 46 kDa protein carrying a potential nucleotide binding motif (P-loop) at its N-terminal region. The protein is widely expressed, and the expression is upregulated during membrane-receptor mediated apoptosis. In interferon-gamma and Fas induced apoptosis, DAP3 acts as a positive mediator by functioning downstream of the receptor signaling complex and upstream of the effector caspases. However, the mechanism for its function is largely unknown. Interestingly, the N-terminal 230 amino acid fragment of DAP3 alone protects cells from Fas induced cell death. The same region of DAP3 also serves as a binding site for the glucocorticoid receptor and mediates receptor functions.