DAP Human

Death-Associated Protein (DAP) is a protein that plays a crucial role in the regulation of programmed cell death, also known as apoptosis. This protein is encoded by the DAP gene, which is a protein-coding gene associated with various cellular processes, including cell death and survival mechanisms. The recombinant form of this protein, often referred to as Human Recombinant DAP, is produced through recombinant DNA technology, allowing for its use in various research and therapeutic applications.

The DAP gene encodes a basic, proline-rich protein with a molecular weight of approximately 15 kDa. This protein acts as a positive mediator of programmed cell death induced by interferon-gamma. The gene undergoes alternative splicing, resulting in distinct isoforms of the protein .

DAP is involved in several critical cellular pathways, including:

• Apoptosis: DAP acts as a positive mediator of apoptosis, particularly in response to interferon-gamma. It is involved in the regulation of cell death pathways, ensuring the proper elimination of damaged or unwanted cells .
• Ribosome Hibernation: DAP is involved in ribosome hibernation, a process during which ribosomes are stabilized in an inactive state and preserved from proteasomal degradation. This function is crucial in mature oocytes, where ribosomes are stored and translationally repressed .
• Autophagy Regulation: DAP acts as a negative regulator of autophagy, a cellular process that involves the degradation and recycling of cellular components .

DAP is associated with several cellular pathways, including:

• MIF Mediated Glucocorticoid Regulation: This pathway involves the regulation of glucocorticoid activity by macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), with DAP playing a role in this regulatory process .
• ERK Signaling: DAP is involved in the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway, which is crucial for various cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, and survival .

Mutations or dysregulation of the DAP gene have been associated with certain diseases, such as hereditary spastic paraplegia. Additionally, the protein’s role in apoptosis and autophagy makes it a potential target for therapeutic interventions in diseases characterized by abnormal cell death or survival mechanisms .

The recombinant form of DAP is widely used in research to study its function and role in various cellular processes. It is also utilized in therapeutic research, particularly in the context of diseases involving dysregulated apoptosis or autophagy.