Modeling of interaction between cytochrome c and the WD domains of Apaf-1: bifurcated salt bridges underlying apoptosome assembly

Apoptotic protease activating factor-1 and tumors

Apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (Apaf-1) functions as a core apoptosis factor in the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Apaf-1 promoter methylation and loss of heterozygosity are the main causes of cancer, and lower expression of Apaf-1 is closely related to malignant tumors. Apaf-1 expression deletion and methylation can be used as markers for deeper tumor invasion, frequent lymph node metastasis, tumor differentiation and poor prognosis. Apaf-1 can be used as a molecular target for anticancer therapy and prognosis prediction. Further research on Apaf-1 will contribute to the development of effective anti-tumor drugs. In this paper, we will review the biochemical structure and function of Apaf-1, Apaf-1 signal transduction pathway, expression of Apaf-1 in a variety of tumors, as well as its role in tumor occurrence, drug resistance and treatment.