CIDE_N domain of ICAD. The CIDE_N (cell death-inducing DFF45-like effector, N-terminal) domain is found at the N-terminus of the CAD nuclease (caspase-activated DNase/DNA fragmentation factor, DFF40) and its inhibitor, ICAD (DFF45). These proteins are associated with the chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation events of apoptosis; the CIDE_N domain is thought to regulate the activity of the CAD/DFF40 and ICAD/DFF45 during apoptosis. In normal cells, DFF exists in the nucleus as a heterodimer composed of CAD/DFF40 as a latent nuclease and its chaperone and inhibitor subunit ICAD/DFF45. Apoptotic activation of caspase-3 results in the cleavage of DFF45/ICAD and release of active DFF40/CAD nuclease.
Feature 1:CAD/ICAD heterodimer interaction site [polypeptide binding site]
Evidence:
Structure:1F2R_I; Mus musculus CIDE-N domains of CAD and ICAD form an assymetric heterodimer. - View structure with Cn3D
Comment:Although the CAD and ICAD CIDE-N domains are structurally similar, they bind one another asymetrically using different surfaces from each protein.