Anti-BOK Antibody

Apoptosis plays a major role in normal organism development, tissue homeostasis, and removal of damaged cells. Disruption of this process has been implicated in a variety of diseases such as cancer. The Bcl-2 family of proteins is comprised of critical regulators of apoptosis that can be divided into two classes: those that inhibit apoptosis and those that promote cell death. BOK, a pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member, was initially identified in the ovary, and was found to interact with other Bcl-2 family members such as Mcl-1 and Bfl-1. BOK expression is high during early placental development, suggesting that it may also play a role in regulating trophoblast cell proliferation.

At least three isoforms of BOK are known to exist; this antibody will not detect the smallest isoform. BOK antibody is predicted to not cross-react with other Bcl-2 protein family members

BOK antibody was raised against a 16 amino acid synthetic peptide near the amino terminus of human BOK. The immunogen is located within the first 50 amino acids of BOK.

Expressed mainly in oocytes; weak expression in granulosa cells of the developing follicles. In adult human ovaries, expressed in granulosa cells at all follicular stages, but expression in primordial/primary follicles granulosa cell is stronger than in secondary and antral follicles.

Isoform 1: Apoptosis regulator that functions through different apoptotic signaling pathways (PubMed:27076518, PubMed:15102863, PubMed:20673843) . Plays a roles as pro-apoptotic protein that positively regulates intrinsic apoptotic process in a BAX- and BAK1-dependent manner or in a BAX- and BAK1-independent manner (PubMed:27076518, PubMed:15102863) . In response to endoplasmic reticulum stress promotes mitochondrial apoptosis through downstream BAX/BAK1 activation and positive regulation of PERK-mediated unfolded protein response (By similarity) . Activates apoptosis independently of heterodimerization with survival- promoting BCL2 and BCL2L1 through induction of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization, in a BAX- and BAK1-independent manner, in response to inhibition of ERAD-proteasome degradation system, resulting in cytochrome c release (PubMed:27076518) . In response to DNA damage, mediates intrinsic apoptotic process in a TP53- dependent manner (PubMed:15102863) . Plays a role in granulosa cell apoptosis by CASP3 activation (PubMed:20673843) . Plays a roles as anti-apoptotic protein during neuronal apoptotic process, by negatively regulating poly ADP-ribose polymerase-dependent cell death through regulation of neuronal calcium homeostasis and mitochondrial bioenergetics in response to NMDA excitation (By similarity) . In addition to its role in apoptosis, may regulate trophoblast cell proliferation during the early stages of placental development, by acting on G1/S transition through regulation of CCNE1 expression (PubMed:19942931) . May also play a role as an inducer of autophagy by disrupting interaction between MCL1 and BECN1 (PubMed:24113155) .

BOK antibody can be stored at 4°C for three months and -20°C, stable for up to one year. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Antibodies should not be exposed to prolonged high temperatures.