Recombinant Human Bcl2L2 protein

Supplementary information

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

Bcl2L2 also known as Bcl-w is a protein that functions as an anti-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family. It has a molecular weight of approximately 21 kDa. This protein is expressed in various tissues such as the brain testis and kidney suggesting it plays a significant role in these organs. Bcl2L2's expression pattern and structure contribute to its function in regulating apoptotic pathways by inhibiting cell death signals.

Biological function summary

The function of Bcl-w involves its role in promoting cell survival. It is part of a complex network of interactions within the Bcl-2 family. This protein family includes both pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins and Bcl-w helps maintain the balance by impeding apoptosis. The protein localizes to the mitochondrial outer membrane where it sequesters pro-apoptotic members such as Bax and Bak preventing the release of cytochrome c an essential step in the apoptosis process.

Pathways

The Bcl-w protein integrates into the intrinsic mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. It interacts closely with other Bcl-2 family proteins to ensure cellular homeostasis. Important pathways involving Bcl-w include the mitochondrial or intrinsic apoptosis pathway and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway both of which regulate cell survival. Related proteins include Bcl-2 Bcl-XL Bax and Bak. These proteins collectively modulate the apoptosis signaling and therefore influence cell fate decisions within tissues where Bcl-w is expressed.

Bcl-w has been implicated in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases due to its role in cell survival and apoptosis regulation. In certain cancers the overexpression of Bcl-w protein can lead to unchecked cell proliferation by avoiding apoptosis therefore promoting tumor growth. In neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease altered expression of Bcl-w may contribute to neuronal survival affecting disease progression. Proteins like Bax and Bak which promote apoptosis are often in regulatory interplay with Bcl-w in these conditions highlighting the delicate balance of pro-survival and pro-apoptotic forces in disease states.