Originally Posted by chrisbb

i dont know what this means, but the diagram is fascinating

Fas-Associated protein with Death Domain (FADD) is an adaptor molecule that bridges the Fas-receptor, and other death receptors, to caspase-8 through its death domain to form the death inducing signaling complex (DISC) during apoptosis. The protein encoded by this gene is an adaptor molecule that interacts with various cell surface receptors and mediates cell apoptotic signals. Through its C-terminal death domain, this protein can be recruited by TNFRSF6/Fas-receptor, tumor necrosis factor receptor, TNFRSF25, and TNFSF10/TRAIL-receptor, and thus it participates in the death signaling initiated by these receptors. Interaction of this protein with the receptors unmasks the N-terminal effector domain[1](see structural image on the right side) of this protein, which allows it to recruit caspase-8, and thereby activate the cysteine protease cascade. Knockout studies in mice also suggest the importance of this protein in early T cell development.[2]


Signaling pathway of TNF-R1. Dashed grey lines represent multiple steps

FADD - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia