Patent ID: 8071327
Filing Date: 2011-12-06
Classification: A61P,C12Q,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of identifying an agent that modulates the activation of a pro-caspase by an inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) protein, or fragment thereof containing a BIR domain, comprising the steps of: a) contacting in vitro or in a cell culture the pro-caspase and the IAP, or fragment thereof containing a BIR domain, wherein the IAP or fragment inhibits activation of the pro-caspase, under conditions that allow activation of the pro-caspase in the absence of the IAP or fragment, and an agent suspected of being able to modulate caspase inhibitory activity of the IAP or fragment thereof, wherein said pro-caspase is selected from pro-caspase-3, pro-caspase-7 and pro-caspase-9 and wherein said IAP is selected from X chromosome linked IAP (XIAP), c-IAP-1 and c-IAP-2; and b) detecting caspase activity, wherein caspase activity identifies an agent that modulates the regulation of activation of the pro-caspase by the IAP or fragment thereof.