| The protein encoded
by this gene belongs to the BCL2 protein family. BCL2 family members form
hetero- or homodimers and act as anti- or pro-apoptotic regulators that are
involved in a wide variety of cellular activities. This protein forms a
heterodimer with BCL2, and functions as an apoptotic activator. This protein
is reported to interact with, and increase the opening of, the mitochondrial
voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), which leads to the loss in membrane
potential and the release of cytochrome c. The expression of this gene is
regulated by the tumor suppressor P53 and has been shown to be involved in
P53-mediated apoptosis. Multiple alternatively spliced transcript variants,
which encode different isoforms, have been reported for this gene. [provided
by RefSeq, Jul 2008]. |
