Anti-Beclin 1 antibody

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Beclin 1 sometimes referred to as beclin-1 or becn1 is a protein that plays a mechanical role in autophagy. This process involves the recycling of cellular components and is essential for maintaining cellular health. Beclin 1 is approximately 60 kDa in molecular weight and is expressed in a variety of tissues throughout the body. It acts at the molecular level engaging in the initial stages of autophagosome formation which are critical for cell survival during nutrient deprivation.

Biological function summary

The protein functions as an important component of the Beclin 1 autophagy complex which orchestrates the autophagic process. This complex is essential for promoting autophagosome nucleation by interacting with multiple partners that regulate the autophagy pathway. In addition to its role in autophagy Beclin 1 protein stabilizes interactions with other autophagic proteins ensuring the correct assembly and activity of this cellular mechanism. The regulation of Beclin 1's activity and expression influences the efficiency and specificity of autophagy in cells.

Pathways

Beclin 1 integrates into critical cellular pathways like the PI3K/Akt pathway and the mTOR pathway which are pivotal in cell growth and survival. Within these pathways beclin cooperates closely with proteins such as ATG14 and VPS34. These interactions facilitate the recruitment and activation of additional factors that promote the elongation of phagophores which eventually become complete autophagosomes. The coordination of these pathways ensures the proper balance between cell survival and death adapting to cellular conditions.

Associated diseases and disorders

Beclin 1 shows significant relevance in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Abnormal Beclin 1 expression and function are linked to a range of cancers as its dysregulation affects apoptosis and autophagic turnover. Furthermore in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease altered Beclin 1 activity can disrupt normal protein degradation exacerbating protein aggregation a hallmark of these conditions. Interactions with proteins like Bcl-2 are essential in the context of these diseases as Bcl-2 modulates the autophagic and apoptotic balance directly impacting disease progression.