Apoptosis regulator bcl‑2 (Bcl-2)

Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) is the founding member of the Bcl-2 family of regulator proteins, which are central to the control of apoptosis (programmed cell death). It is primarily localized to the outer mitochondrial membrane, where it plays a key role in promoting cell survival by inhibiting apoptosis. By binding and sequestering pro-apoptotic proteins and preventing the release of cytochrome c, Bcl-2 blocks the caspase activation pathway, making cells resistant to apoptotic signals. Overexpression or dysregulation can contribute directly to oncogenesis. Targeting bcl‑2 with specific inhibitors has become an important therapeutic strategy for certain malignancies.

Other names

B-cell lymphoma 2BCL2

Inhibition of BCL-2, promoting apoptosis in cancer cells