BAK1 Antibody – Rabbit Polyclonal

The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the BCL2 protein family. BCL2 family members form oligomers or heterodimers and act as anti- or pro-apoptotic regulators that are involved in a wide variety of cellular activities. This protein localizes to mitochondria, and functions to induce apoptosis. It interacts with and accelerates the opening of the mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel, which leads to a loss in membrane potential and the release of cytochrome c. This protein also interacts with the tumor suppressor P53 after exposure to cell stress. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

BAK1: In the presence of an appropriate stimulus, accelerates programmed cell death by binding to, and antagonizing the anti- apoptotic action of BCL2 or its adenovirus homolog E1B 19k protein. Low micromolar levels of zinc ions inhibit the promotion of apoptosis. Interacts with BCL2A1. Homodimer. Formation of the homodimer is zinc-dependent. Forms heterodimers with BCL2, E1B 19k protein, and BCL2L1 isoform Bcl-X(L). Interacts with myxoma virus protein M11L. Expressed in a wide variety of tissues, with highest levels in the heart and skeletal muscle. Belongs to the Bcl-2 family.

Protein type: Apoptosis; Endoplasmic reticulum; Membrane protein, integral; Mitochondrial

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 6p21.31

Cellular Component: integral to mitochondrial outer membrane; mitochondrial outer membrane; mitochondrion; pore complex

Molecular Function: identical protein binding; protein binding; protein heterodimerization activity; protein homodimerization activity

Biological Process: cytolysis; DNA damage response, signal transduction resulting in induction of apoptosis; endoplasmic reticulum calcium ion homeostasis; establishment and/or maintenance of transmembrane electrochemical gradient; positive regulation of apoptosis; positive regulation of proteolysis; regulation of mitochondrial membrane permeability; regulation of mitochondrial membrane potential; regulation of protein heterodimerization activity; regulation of protein homodimerization activity; release of cytochrome c from mitochondria; unfolded protein response, activation of signaling protein activity