FADD, MORT1, GIG3, Protein FADD, FAS-associated death domain protein, FAS-associating death domain-containing protein, Growth-inhibiting gene 3 protein, Mediator of receptor induced toxicity
The Fas associated via death domain encoded by FADD is an adaptor molecule that interacts with various cell surface receptors and mediates cell apoptotic signals. Through its C-terminal death domain, this protein can be recruited by TNFRSF6/Fas-receptor, tumor necrosis factor receptor, TNFRSF25, and TNFSF10/TRAIL-receptor, and thus it participates in the death signaling initiated by these receptors. Interaction of this protein with the receptors unmasks the N-terminal effector domain of this protein, which allows it to recruit caspase-8, and thereby activate the cysteine protease cascade. Knockout studies in mice also suggest the importance of this protein in early T cell development.
