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凋亡蛋白活化因子-1(apoptotic protease activating factor-1,Apaf-1)是一种抑癌基因,通过线粒体介导的途径导致细胞凋亡。人类一系列信号转导级联反应均以Apaf-1为靶子调节凋亡体,故Apaf-1基因被认为是凋亡体的真正核心。Apaf-1基因启动子甲基化是导致其表达下调的主要原因,DNA甲基化特异性的抑制剂能恢复Apaf-1基因表达。Apaf-1表达下调与多种恶性肿瘤密切相关,同时与不良预后和化疗耐药相关。Apaf-1基因为判断肿瘤预后及寻找肿瘤治疗新靶点提供了新思路。本文对Apaf-1基因结构、生物学特征及与常见肿瘤相关作用及研究进展作一综述。
Apoptosis protease activating factor-1 (Apaf-1) is a tumor suppressor gene that leads to apoptosis through mitochondria-mediated pathway. Apoptosis is regulated by Apaf-1 in a series of signal transduction cascades in human beings, so the Apaf-1 gene is considered as the true core of apoptotic bodies. Apaf-1 gene promoter methylation is the main reason leading to its down regulation, DNA methylation-specific inhibitors can restore Apaf-1 gene expression. The down-regulation of Apaf-1 is closely related to many malignant tumors, and is associated with poor prognosis and chemoresistance. Apaf-1 gene provides a new idea for judging tumor prognosis and finding a new target for tumor therapy. This review summarizes the structure and biological characteristics of Apaf-1 gene and their roles in tumorigenesis.