The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the BCL2 protein family. BCL2 family members form oligomers or heterodimers and act as anti- or pro-apoptotic regulators that are involved in a wide variety of cellular activities. This protein localizes to mitochondria, and functions to induce apoptosis. It interacts with and accelerates the opening of the mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel, which leads to a loss in membrane potential and the release of cytochrome c. This protein also interacts with the tumor suppressor P53 after exposure to cell stress. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008].
Lindner, Concannon, Boukes, Cannon, Llambi, Ryan, Boland, Kehoe, McNamara, Murray, Kay, Hector, Green, Huber, Prehn: "Systems analysis of BCL2 protein family interactions establishes a model to predict responses to chemotherapy." in: Cancer research, Vol. 73, Issue 2, pp. 519-28, (2013) (PubMed).