Bcl-2 family
Bcl-2 Family
The Bcl-2 family (pronounced as "Bee-see-ell-two family") is a group of evolutionarily related proteins that play a crucial role in apoptosis, or programmed cell death. The name "Bcl-2" is derived from "B-cell lymphoma 2," the gene where it was first identified.
Etymology
The term "Bcl-2" is an abbreviation for "B-cell lymphoma 2," referring to its discovery in chromosomal translocations occurring in B-cell malignancies. The "2" signifies that it was the second gene identified at the chromosomal breakpoint of these translocations.
Related Terms
- Apoptosis: A form of programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms.
- BAX: A member of the Bcl-2 gene family, which is involved in initiating apoptosis.
- BAK: Another pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family.
- BAD: A pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family that forms a heterodimer with Bcl-XL and Bcl-2, neutralizing their protective effects and promoting cell death.
- Bcl-xL: An anti-apoptotic protein from the Bcl-2 family.
Function
The Bcl-2 family proteins regulate cell death by controlling the mitochondrial membrane permeability. They play a key role in the regulation of apoptosis, either by inhibiting (anti-apoptotic) or promoting (pro-apoptotic) cell death.
Clinical Significance
Alterations in the expression of Bcl-2 family members have been implicated in a variety of cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, and breast cancer. As such, they have become targets for therapeutic intervention in these diseases.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Bcl-2 family
- Wikipedia's article - Bcl-2 family
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