FAIM Human
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
The Fas Apoptotic Inhibitory Molecule (FAIM) is a protein that plays a crucial role in regulating apoptosis, or programmed cell death. This protein is particularly significant in the context of neurodegenerative diseases and immune responses. FAIM was originally discovered in 1999 and has since been the subject of extensive research due to its potential therapeutic applications .
FAIM is a 20-kDa cytosolic protein composed of 179 amino acids . It is highly conserved across mammalian species, indicating its essential role in cellular processes. There are two main isoforms of FAIM: FAIM1 and FAIM2. FAIM1 is predominantly expressed in immune cells, while FAIM2 is mainly found in neuronal cells .
FAIM functions as an inhibitor of the Fas signaling pathway, which is a critical pathway for inducing apoptosis. By interfering with this pathway, FAIM helps to prevent unnecessary cell death, thereby contributing to cell survival and homeostasis . In neurons, FAIM2 has been shown to protect against stress-induced apoptosis, particularly in the retina .
FAIM inhibits apoptosis by interacting with components of the Fas signaling pathway. Specifically, it binds to the Fas receptor and prevents the activation of caspase-8, a key enzyme in the apoptotic process . This interaction blocks the downstream signaling events that lead to cell death, thereby promoting cell survival.
The expression and activity of FAIM are regulated by various factors, including stress signals and cellular conditions. For instance, FAIM2 levels increase in response to retinal detachment, suggesting a role in protecting photoreceptor cells under stress . Additionally, FAIM interacts with other proteins such as p53 and HSP90, which further modulate its activity and stability .
Given its role in inhibiting apoptosis, FAIM has significant therapeutic potential, particularly in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and conditions involving excessive cell death. For example, recombinant human FAIM has been shown to dissolve pathological amyloid-β species, which are implicated in Alzheimer’s disease . This suggests that FAIM could be a valuable target for developing treatments for such conditions.
