Bcl-w Rabbit Polyclonal Antibody

This gene encodes a member of the BCL-2 protein family. The proteins of this family form hetero- or homodimers and act as anti- and pro-apoptotic regulators. Expression of this gene in cells has been shown to contribute to reduced cell apoptosis under cytotoxic conditions. Studies of the related gene in mice indicated a role in the survival of NGF- and BDNF-dependent neurons. Mutation and knockout studies of the mouse gene demonstrated an essential role in adult spermatogenesis. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. Read-through transcription also exists between this gene and the neighboring downstream PABPN1 (poly (A) binding protein, nuclear 1) gene. [provided by RefSeq, Dec 2010], domain:The BH1 and BH2 motifs form a hydrophobic groove which acts as a docking site for the BH3 domain of some pro-apoptotic proteins. The C-terminal residues of BCL2L2 fold into the BH3-binding cleft and modulate pro-survival activity by regulating ligand access. When BH3 domain-containing proteins bind, they displace the C-terminus, allowing its insertion into the membrane and neutralizing the pro-survival activity of BCL2L2., domain:The BH4 motif seems to be involved in the anti-apoptotic function., function:Promotes cell survival. Blocks dexamethasone-induced apoptosis. Mediates survival of postmitotic Sertoli cells by suppressing death-promoting activity of BAX., similarity:Belongs to the Bcl-2 family., subcellular location:Loosely associated with the mitochondrial membrane in healthy cells. During apoptosis, tightly bound to the membrane., tissue specificity:Expressed (at protein level) in a wide range of tissues with highest levels in brain, spinal cord, testis, pancreas, heart, spleen and mammary glands. Moderate levels found in thymus, ovary and small intestine. Not detected in salivary gland, muscle or liver. Also expressed in cell lines of myeloid, fibroblast and epithelial origin. Not detected in most lymphoid cell lines.