The Bcl-2 family proteins

Abstract

The Bcl-2 family proteins are a group of evolutionarily conserved molecules that regulate apoptosis mainly at the site of mitochondria. This family of proteins consists of both antideath and prodeath molecules. The latter are also composed of multidomain prodeath molecules and the BH3-only prodeath molecules. While the BH3-only molecules act at the distal, receiving the death signals, the multidomain prodeath and antideath molecules regulate the mitochondrial outer membrane's permeability to control apoptosis. Protein interactions among the family members are important for their functions and have been explored for therapeutic purposes, as illustrated by the development of the BH3-only mimetics. Recent studies have also indicated that these molecules can act in other subcellular locations and their functions are beyond apoptosis regulation. Thus, the Bcl-2 family proteins also play important roles in autophagy, cell proliferation, and many other cellular functions.