Bcl-xL

Bcl-xL is a protein that in humans is encoded by the BCL2L1 gene. It is a member of the Bcl-2 family of proteins, and acts as an anti-apoptotic factor that prevents the release of mitochondrial contents such as cytochrome c, which leads to caspase activation and apoptosis.

Function

Bcl-xL is an integral outer mitochondrial membrane protein that blocks the apoptotic death of some cells such as lymphocytes. Constitutive expression of Bcl-X(L) can protect cells from apoptosis induced by various kinds of stimuli. It is also essential for the survival of neurons, platelets, melanocytes, mast cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, and eosinophils.

Clinical significance

Overexpression of Bcl-xL has been linked to several types of cancer, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. In these cases, the high levels of Bcl-xL prevent the normal process of apoptosis, allowing the cancer cells to survive and proliferate.

See also

• Bcl-2
• Apoptosis
• Mitochondrion

External links

• BCL2L1 gene at NCBI
• Bcl-xL at UniProt

Bcl-xL Resources
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