Description |
NALP proteins include the apoptosis regulator APAF1 (apoptotic protease activating factor 1) and mammalian NOD-LRR proteins and are thought to be involved in inflammation and reproduction. NALP5, also known as MATER, is a maternal gene required for early embryonic development in mice. Increased NALP5 expression was observed in two neuronal injury models, and transient expression of recombinant NALP5 in neurons induced caspase-3 activation and apoptosis, suggesting that NALP5 also plays a role in caspase activation and apoptosis in injured neurons, and may thus represent a novel target for therapeutic treatment in neurodegenerative disorders.
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