Caspase activation was not required for F-ΔN-IκBα-mediated apoptosis. A total of 50 μM Z.VAD-FMK or 0.1% DMSO, the carrier, were added at day 0. Caspase 3 activity was determined by using the colorimetric substrate DEVD-pNA at Day 3. Cell viability was determined as in Fig. 3. PARP cleavage was determined as in Fig. 4. Lane 1, Tc+ media plus DMSO. Lane 2, Tc− media plus DMSO. Lane 3, Tc− media with 50 μM z-VAD.FMK.