Bcl2-A1 interacts with pro-caspase-3: Implications for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

► ALS-linked mutant SOD1 induces Bcl2-A1 expression via the redox-sensitive AP1 transcription factor in motor neuronal cells. ► Bcl2-A1 can interact with pro-caspase-3, via its C-terminal helix α9. ► Bcl2-A1/pro-caspase-3 interaction can prevents the completion of caspase-3 processing in vitro. ► Bcl2-A1 lacking helix α9 has impaired anti-apoptotic activity in motor neuronal cells expressing ALS-linked mutant SOD1.