FADD

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

FADD (Fas-Associated protein with Death Domain) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the FADD gene. It plays a central role in the apoptosis process, which is a form of programmed cell death. FADD is essential for mediating apoptosis, or cell death, and has been implicated in a variety of diseases, including cancer and autoimmune disorders.

Function[edit | edit source]

FADD is an adaptor molecule that interacts with various cell surface receptors and mediates cell apoptotic signals. By interacting with the death domain of the receptors, FADD recruits and activates caspases, the effectors of apoptosis. The protein forms a death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) with the receptors and procaspases, thereby leading to the activation of caspases. Once activated, the caspases recognize and cleave their substrates, leading to cell apoptosis.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Alterations in FADD function can lead to various diseases. For instance, overexpression of FADD has been associated with an increased risk of developing cancer. On the other hand, reduced FADD expression can lead to autoimmune disorders due to the inability of the immune system to remove self-reactive cells.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


FADD Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD