Background: Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a crucial process in maintaining cellular homeostasis and eliminating damaged or unwanted cells. Dysregulation of apoptosis pathways is associated with various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. Targeting key components of the apoptosis machinery provides a promising approach for therapeutic development, aiming to either promote or inhibit cell death depending on the disease context.

Comprehensive Apoptosis-Related Biochemical Services: Our apoptosis-related biochemical services cover a wide range of critical targets involved in the regulation of cell death, including Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins (IAPs), the Bcl-2 family, and the caspase family.

1. IAPs (Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins): We utilize Fluorescence Polarization (FP) assays to investigate the interactions between IAPs and their binding partners. These assays are particularly effective in identifying compounds that can disrupt IAP-caspase interactions, thereby promoting apoptosis in cancer cells. This approach is valuable for the development of cancer therapies aimed at overcoming resistance to cell death.

2. Bcl-2 Family: For the Bcl-2 family of proteins, we employ Time-Resolved Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (TR-FRET) assays. These assays are ideal for detecting protein-protein interactions and screening for inhibitors that can modulate the delicate balance between pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 members. This balance is crucial in determining the fate of cells, making it a key target in cancer and other diseases where apoptosis is dysregulated.

3. Caspase Family: Our caspase assays are based on Fluorescence Intensity (FI) methods, which allow for the precise measurement of caspase enzyme activity. These assays enable the quantification of caspase activation and inhibition, supporting the development of drugs that can effectively regulate apoptotic pathways. Caspase inhibitors or activators have potential therapeutic applications in a variety of diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders and cancer.