DNA fragmentation factor

Function

• nuclease that induces DNA fragmentation & chromatin condensation during apoptosis
• degrades naked DNA & induces apoptotic morphology
• activated by caspase-3 cleavage of DFF-45 which dissociates inhibitory DFFA from active subunit DFFB

Structure

• heterodimer of DFFA (DFF-45) & DFFB (DFF-40) subunits

More general terms

• multisubunit protein
• pro apoptotic protein