The caspase family of cysteine proteases play a key role in apoptosis. Caspase 3 is the most extensively studied apoptotic protein among caspase family members. Caspase 3 is synthesized as inactive pro enzyme that is processed in cells undergoing apoptosis by self proteolysis and/or cleavage by other upstream proteases (e.g. Caspases 8, 9 and 10). The processed form of Caspase 3 consists of large (17kDa) and small (12kDa) subunits which associate to form an active enzyme. Caspase 3 is cleaved

Metalloproteinase which specifically cleaves IGFBP-4 and IGFBP-5, resulting in release of bound IGF. Cleavage of IGFBP-4 is dramatically enhanced by the presence of IGF, whereas cleavage of IGFBP-5 is slightly inhibited by the presence of IGF.

Tau proteins are important Promotes microtubule assembly and stability, and might be involved in the establishment and maintenance of neuronal polarity. The C-terminus binds axonal microtubules while the N-terminus binds neural plasma membrane components, suggesting that tau functions as a linker protein between both. Axonal polarity is predetermined by tau localization (in the neuronal cell) in the domain of the cell body defined by the centrosome. The short isoforms allow plasticity of the

Tau proteins are important Promotes microtubule assembly and stability, and might be involved in the establishment and maintenance of neuronal polarity. The C-terminus binds axonal microtubules while the N-terminus binds neural plasma membrane components, suggesting that tau functions as a linker protein between both. Axonal polarity is predetermined by tau localization (in the neuronal cell) in the domain of the cell body defined by the centrosome. The short isoforms allow plasticity of the

multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 is a member of the superfamily of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. ABC proteins transport various molecules across extra- and intra-cellular membranes. ABC genes are divided into seven distinct subfamilies (ABC1, MDR/TAP, MRP, ALD, OABP, GCN20, White). This protein is a member of the MRP subfamily which is involved in multi-drug resistance. This protein is expressed in the canalicular (apical) part of the hepatocyte and functions in biliary tr

This gene encodes a member of a family of solute transporter proteins. The membrane-bound protein is the principal transporter that clears the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate from the extracellular space at synapses in the central nervous system. Glutamate clearance is necessary for proper synaptic activation and to prevent neuronal damage from excessive activation of glutamate receptors. Mutations in and decreased expression of this protein are associated with amyotrophic lateral scler