BCL2-Like Protein 2, Aa1-172 (BCL2) Recombinant Protein

This gene encodes a member of the BCL-2 protein family. The proteins of this family form hetero- or homodimers and act as anti- and pro-apoptotic regulators. Expression of this gene in cells has been shown to contribute to reduced cell apoptosis under cytotoxic conditions. Studies of the related gene in mice indicated a role in the survival of NGF- and BDNF-dependent neurons. Mutation and knockout studies of the mouse gene demonstrated an essential role in adult spermatogenesis. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. Read-through transcription also exists between this gene and the neighboring downstream PABPN1 (poly(A) binding protein, nuclear 1) gene. [provided by RefSeq, Dec 2010]

BCL2L2: Promotes cell survival. Blocks dexamethasone-induced apoptosis. Mediates survival of postmitotic Sertoli cells by suppressing death-promoting activity of BAX. Expressed in a wide range of tissues with highest levels in brain, spinal cord, testis, pancreas, heart, spleen and mammary glands. Moderate levels found in thymus, ovary and small intestine. Not detected in salivary gland, muscle or liver. Also expressed in cell lines of myeloid, fibroblast and epithelial origin. Not detected in most lymphoid cell lines. Belongs to the Bcl-2 family. 2 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative splicing.

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 14q11.2-q12

Cellular Component: mitochondrial outer membrane; cytosol

Molecular Function: BH domain binding; protein binding; protein homodimerization activity; protein heterodimerization activity

Biological Process: DNA damage response, signal transduction resulting in induction of apoptosis; Sertoli cell proliferation; spermatogenesis; negative regulation of apoptosis