CED4mediated

CED4mediated refers to a cellular process involving the protein CED4, which plays a crucial role in programmed cell death, also known as apoptosis. In the nematode C. elegans, the ced-4 gene encodes CED4, a key component of the apoptotic machinery. CED4 functions as an adaptor protein that bridges other crucial proteins involved in the execution of apoptosis.

Specifically, CED4 acts upstream of CED3, a cysteine protease homologous to caspases in mammals, which is the primary executioner of apoptosis. When a cell receives a death signal, CED4 is activated and subsequently triggers the activation of CED3. This activation cascade leads to the dismantling of the cell in a controlled manner.

The mechanism of CED4 activation involves its interaction with another protein called CED9. CED9 normally inhibits CED4, preventing accidental apoptosis. However, upon receiving specific signals indicating cell death is necessary, CED9 releases its inhibition of CED4, allowing CED4 to become active.

The discovery and characterization of CED4 and its role in apoptosis in C. elegans provided fundamental insights into the conserved molecular mechanisms of programmed cell death across diverse organisms, including humans. Understanding CED4mediated apoptosis has implications for research into various diseases where apoptosis is dysregulated, such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.