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Updated: May 10, 2026

Characterization of MLKL-mediated Plasma Membrane Rupture in Necroptosis
Published on: August 7, 2018
Activity assays for receptor-interacting protein kinase 1:a key regulator of necroptosis
Jenny L Maki1, Alexei Degterev
1Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA.
Abstract:
Necroptosis is a novel form of regulated non-apoptotic cell death, which displays morphological features of necrosis. The kinase activity of receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIP1) is a critical component in signaling for necroptosis. The development of assays to evaluate RIP1 kinase activity is important in the further development of existing and novel inhibitors of necroptosis. Here, we describe RIP1 protein expression and purification from mammalian and insect cells as well as two in vitro kinase assays to detect RIP1 kinase activity and inhibition.
Insights
We developed methods to express and purify receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIP1) and created two in vitro assays to measure its kinase activity and inhibition, crucial for necroptosis research.
Area of Science:
- Cellular biology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular signaling
Background:
- Necroptosis is a regulated form of cell death with necrotic morphology.
- Receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIP1) is essential for necroptosis signaling.
- Developing assays for RIP1 kinase activity is vital for drug discovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish methods for RIP1 protein expression and purification.
- To develop in vitro kinase assays for RIP1.
- To enable the evaluation of RIP1 kinase activity and inhibition.
Main Methods:
- Protein expression and purification of RIP1 from mammalian and insect cells.
- Development of two distinct in vitro kinase assays.
- Assays designed to detect RIP1 kinase activity and inhibition.
Main Results:
- Successful expression and purification of functional RIP1 protein.
- Established robust in vitro assays capable of detecting RIP1 kinase activity.
- Demonstrated the utility of assays for evaluating RIP1 inhibitor efficacy.
Conclusions:
- The described methods provide essential tools for studying RIP1 kinase activity.
- These assays facilitate the development and validation of necroptosis inhibitors.
- Advancements in RIP1 kinase assays are critical for understanding and targeting necroptosis.
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