APAF-1 & Caspase-9 Complex (PDB 4RHW)

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I am printing out half of the PDB 4RHW molecule (APAF-1 & Caspase-9 complex). The rigid structure is reinforced with additional connections, ensuring stability after printing. A few areas were identified as unstable, particularly around the chloride atom near the center of the molecule. To address this issue, extra reinforcing connections were added and included in the provided file. The APAF-1 protein plays a crucial role in apoptosis, or programmed cell death, by forming the "apoptosome" structure with seven molecules. The apoptosome activates caspase-9, which is essential for cellular proteases involved in apoptosis. This protein molecule stands out due to its exclusive composition of alpha-helices. The original PDB file (4RHW: http://www.rcsb.org/pdb/explore/explore.do?structureId=4RHW) was modified using VMD to remove water and sulfate molecules. The protein, a dimer, was isolated and represented, with its structural representation set to NewCartoon in VMD before being exported as an .STL file. The .STL file was imported into Tinkercad (https://www.tinkercad.com/), where manual additions of reinforcing braces and supports were made. The reinforcing braces between the alpha-helices are designed to remain within the molecule, increasing its structural rigidity, while the base supports facilitate the printing process. Print Settings: Printer Brand: MakerBot Printer: MakerBot Replicator (5th Generation) Rafts: Yes Supports: Yes Custom Section: Instructions: This model should be printed with both raft and supports. It may take up to 40+ hours using the specified print settings. Printed out on a Makerbot Replicator 5 with MEDIUM QUALITY, removal of the raft and supports is straightforward. However, caution should be exercised when removing the scaffolding around the chlorine atom, as it can detach easily. Additional reinforcing connections were added to this location in the provided print file.