Bcl-2 Family

The BCL-2 family consists of a group of proteins critical in regulating apoptosis, the process of programmed cell death. This family includes pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins, which control cell survival and death. Members such as BCL-2 are anti-apoptotic, promoting cell survival by inhibiting the release of mitochondrial factors that lead to apoptosis. In contrast, proteins like BAX and BAK promote apoptosis and are pro-apoptotic. The balance between these proteins is essential for normal cellular development and homeostasis. Dysregulation in their functions is linked to various diseases, including cancer, where overexpression of anti-apoptotic proteins like BCL-2 can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and resistance to cancer treatments.