What is the function of Bcl-2 proteins?

The BCL-2 family of proteins controls cell death primarily by direct binding interactions that regulate mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) leading to the irreversible release of intermembrane space proteins, subsequent caspase activation and apoptosis.

Which of these proteins is a Bcl-2 family member?

In humans and mice, the Bcl-2 family is split into anti-apoptotic multi-domain proteins (prototypes: Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL), which contain four BH domains (numbered BH1 to BH4), pro-apoptotic multi-domain proteins (prototypes: Bax and Bak), which contain three BH domains (BH1, BH2 and BH3), and the pro-apoptotic BH3-only …

Where is Bcl-2 protein found?

BCL-2 is localized to the outer membrane of mitochondria, where it plays an important role in promoting cellular survival and inhibiting the actions of pro-apoptotic proteins.

What are pro survival proteins?

The pro-survival proteins, which include Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Bcl-w, Mcl-1, and Bfl-1, possess BH1–4 domains, and these inhibit cell death by binding directly to the two classes of pro-apoptotic proteins: the Bax/Bak proteins and the BH3-only proteins.

What is the role of Bcl-2 in apoptosis?

BCL2 prevents BAX/BAK oligomerization, which would otherwise lead to the release of several apoptogenic molecules from the mitochondrion. It is also known that BCL2 binds to and inactivates BAX and other pro-apoptotic proteins, thereby inhibiting apoptosis.

How do cells avoid cell death?

One thing we know about cancer cells: they can resist death. They evade apoptosis, the mechanism that programs cell death once cells become damaged. Normally, apoptosis helps keep an organism healthy through growth and development, maintaining body tissue by removing infected or damaged cells.

What does pro survival mean?

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License. adjective That aids survival.

Does BCL-2 cause apoptosis?

BCL-2 family proteins are the regulators of apoptosis, but also have other functions. This family of interacting partners includes inhibitors and inducers of cell death. Together they regulate and mediate the process by which mitochondria contribute to cell death known as the intrinsic apoptosis pathway.

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