Anti-CASP2 (Caspase-2, CASP-2, Neural Precursor Cell Expressed Developmentally Down-regulated Protei

Caspase-2 (Cysteine-aspartic acid protease 2/Casp2, also NEDD2 and ICH-1) is a 30-32kD member of the peptidase C14A/IL-1B-converting family of enzymes. It is widely expressed and is an integral component of the apoptotic cascade. Based on the length of its prodomain, caspase-2 has been considered to be an initiator caspase. However, studies have shown that other caspases (such as Casp 3) activate procaspase 2, and Caspase-2 likely acts on key cellular molecules such as BID, Golgin 160 and DFF45/ICAD. Thus, Caspase-2 is perhaps more likely to be a specialized executioner caspase. Human procaspase-2 is a 48-51kD 452aa protein. It is known to exist as a disulfide-linked homodimer via covalent linkage at 436aa. But this dimeric state may not be sufficient for (auto) activation. Actual activation may occur following oligomerization within the context of activating platforms such as DISC (death-inducing signaling complex) or the PIDDosome. Initially, procaspase-2 undergoes proteolytic cleavage to generate an N-terminal 333aa p34/34kD subunit, and a 119aa C-terminal p14/14kD subunit. The p34 and p14 subunits are further processed to generate the prodomain (aa1-169), plus the mature p18 (aa170-333) and p12 (aa348-452) subunits. Notably, each p18:p12 noncovalent heterodimer demonstrates proteolytic activity around a catalytic site at aa318-322, and, due to a nuclear localization signal within the prodomain, may be found in either nucleus or cytoplasm. There are multiple potential isoform variants. Individually, or in combination, there is an alternative start site at Met18, a substitution of two aa for aa107-452, a second substitution of 14aa for aa309-322, and a third substitution of 22aa for aa323-452. The human and mouse procaspase 2 precursors are 90% aa identical, with the majority of differences lying in the prodomain. Applications: Suitable for use in Immunohistochemistry. Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilution: Immunohistochemistry: 8-25ug/ml, Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. Storage and Stability: Lyophilized powder may be stored at -20°C. Stable for 12 months at -20°C. Reconstitute with sterile PBS. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20°C. Reconstituted product is stable for 12 months at -20°C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.