B-cell lymphoma 2 protein family (BCL-2 family)

The BCL-2 protein family is a group of evolutionarily related proteins that regulate apoptosis and the balance between cell survival and death. They control mitochondrial outer membrane permeability, a key step in intrinsic apoptosis. The family includes anti-apoptotic members (e.g., BCL-2, BCL-XL, MCL-1), pro-apoptotic multidomain members (e.g., Bax, Bak), and "BH3-only" proteins (e.g., BAD, BID). Dysregulation of BCL-2 family members, particularly overexpression of anti-apoptotic proteins, is implicated in cancer development and resistance to chemotherapy. Targeting these proteins with small-molecule inhibitors is an important strategy for developing new anticancer therapies.

Other names

BCL2 familyBcl-2 proteins

BH3 mimetics disrupt protein-protein interactions within the BCL-2 network, promoting apoptosis by antagonizing anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family members or directly activating Bax/Bak.