Apaf1 antibody was raised against a peptide corresponding to amino acids near the carboxy terminus of human Apaf1. The sequence of the immunogenic peptide differs from that of murine Apaf1 by one amino acid. The immunogen is located within the last 50 amino acids of Apaf1.
Oligomeric Apaf-1 mediates the cytochrome c-dependent autocatalytic activation of pro-caspase-9 (Apaf-3), leading to the activation of caspase-3 and apoptosis. This activation requires ATP. Isoform 6 is less effective in inducing apoptosis.