Human Apoptosis Regulator Bcl-2 (BCL2) Protein

Background

BCL2 apoptosis regulator (BCL2) is a key anti-apoptotic protein that plays a central role in regulating cell survival by preventing mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis BCL2 functions by inhibiting the release of pro-apoptotic factors, such as cytochrome c, from the mitochondria, thus preventing caspase activation and cell death It is highly expressed in various tissues, particularly in immune cells and neurons, where it protects against apoptosis and supports cell longevity Dysregulation of BCL2 expression has been associated with several diseases, including cancer, where its overexpression allows tumor cells to evade cell death, contributing to tumor progression and resistance to therapy BCL2 is also implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, where its dysfunction can lead to excessive neuronal death BCL2 interacts with other members of the Bcl-2 family, including pro-apoptotic proteins like BAX, to finely tune apoptotic signaling and maintain cellular homeostasis Its role in regulating apoptosis and survival pathways makes BCL2 a critical factor in development, aging, and disease management