Bax
Domain
Intact BH3 motif is required by BIK, BID, BAK, BAD and BAX for their pro-apoptotic activity and for their interaction with anti-apoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family.
Function
Accelerates programmed cell death by binding to, and antagonizing the apoptosis repressor BCL2 or its adenovirus homolog E1B 19k protein. Under stress conditions, undergoes a conformation change that causes translocation to the mitochondrion membrane, leading to the release of cytochrome c that then triggers apoptosis. Promotes activation of CASP3, and thereby apoptosis. BAX deficiency leads to lymphoid hyperplasia and male sterility, because of the cessation of sperm production.
Post-translational modifications
Ubiquitinated on Lys-128 and Lys-190. 'Lys-63'-linked polyubiquitin chains on Lys-128 are removed by USP12.
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the Bcl-2 family.
Tissue Specificity
Expressed in a wide variety of tissues.
Cellular localization
- Isoform Alpha
- Mitochondrion outer membrane
- Single-pass membrane protein
- Cytoplasm
- Nucleus
- Colocalizes with 14-3-3 proteins in the cytoplasm. Under stress conditions, undergoes a conformation change that causes release from JNK-phosphorylated 14-3-3 proteins and translocation to the mitochondrion membrane (By similarity).
- Isoform Beta
- Cytoplasm
- Isoform Gamma
- Cytoplasm
Alternative names
Apoptosis regulator BAX, Bax