BCL2 Like 11 Protein

Background

BCL2 like 11 (BCL2L11), also known as BIM, is a pro-apoptotic protein belonging to the Bcl-2 family, which regulates cell death by controlling mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization BCL2L11 plays a central role in initiating apoptosis in response to cellular stress, such as DNA damage, oxidative stress, or growth factor deprivation By promoting the release of pro-apoptotic factors, such as cytochrome c, from the mitochondria, BCL2L11 triggers the activation of caspases, leading to programmed cell death BCL2L11’s activity is tightly regulated by interactions with other Bcl-2 family members, particularly anti-apoptotic proteins like BCL2, which prevent its activation In cancers, BCL2L11 is often downregulated, allowing tumor cells to evade apoptosis and continue to proliferate BCL2L11 is also implicated in immune system regulation, where it controls the survival and activation of immune cells, particularly in T-cell homeostasis Its pro-apoptotic function and regulation of immune responses make BCL2L11 an essential player in maintaining cellular integrity and in controlling the balance between cell survival and death