Structural basis for the regulatory interactions of proapoptotic Par-4.

Par-4 is a unique proapoptotic protein with the ability to induce apoptosis selectively in cancer cells. The X-ray crystal structure of the C-terminal domain of Par-4 (Par-4), which regulates its apoptotic function, was obtained by MAD phasing. Par-4 homodimerizes by forming a parallel coiled-coil structure.

Cloning, expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary crystallographic analysis of the C-terminal domain of Par-4 (PAWR).

Prostate apoptosis response-4 protein is an intrinsically disordered pro-apoptotic protein with tumour suppressor function. Par-4 is known for its selective induction of apoptosis in cancer cells only and its ability to interact with various apoptotic proteins via its C-terminus. Par-4, with its unique function and various interacting partners, has gained importance as a potential target for cancer therapy.