PYD And CARD Domain Containing Protein (PYCARD)

PYCARD encodes an adaptor protein that is composed of two protein-protein interaction domains: a N-terminal PYRIN-PAAD-DAPIN domain (PYD) and a C-terminal caspase-recruitment domain (CARD). The PYD and CARD domains are members of the six-helix bundle death domain-fold superfamily that mediates assembly of large signaling complexes in the inflammatory and apoptotic signaling pathways via the activation of caspase. In normal cells, this protein is localized to the cytoplasm; however, in cells undergoing apoptosis, it forms ball-like aggregates near the nuclear periphery.The deduced 195-amino acid protein contains an N-terminal pyrin-like domain (PYD) and an 87-residue C-terminal CARD.  Fluorescence microscopy demonstrated a ring-like expression in some transfected cells.