Identification and characterization of ICH-2, a novel member of the interleukin-1 beta-converting enzyme family of cysteine proteases.
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Kamens J, Paskind M, Hugunin M, Talanian RV, Allen H, Banach D, Bump N, Hackett M, Johnston CG, Li P, et al.
Identification and characterization of ICH-2, a novel member of the interleukin-1 beta-converting enzyme family of cysteine proteases.
J Biol Chem. 1995 Jun 23;270(25):15250-6.
- PubMed ID
- 7797510 [ View in PubMed]
- Abstract
Interleukin-1 beta converting enzyme (ICE) is a cytoplasmic cysteine protease required for generating the bioactive form of the interleukin-1 beta cytokine from its inactive precursor. We report the identification of ICH-2, a novel human gene encoding a member of the ICE cysteine protease family, and characterization of its protein product. ICH-2 mRNA is widely expressed in human tissues in a pattern similar to, but distinct from, that of ICE. Overexpression of ICH-2 in insect cells induces apoptosis. Purified ICH-2 is functional as a protease in vitro. A comparison of the inhibitor profiles and substrate cleavage by ICH-2 and ICE shows that the enzymes share catalytic properties but may differ in substrate specificities, suggesting that the two enzymes have different functions in vivo.