BCL-2-like protein 2 (BCL2L2)

BCL-2-like protein 2 is a 193-amino acid, anti-apoptotic mitochondrial protein encoded by the BCL2L2 gene on chromosome 14q11.2-q12. Most homologous to Bcl-xL, BCL2L2 (commonly called Bcl-w) acts as a pro-survival member of the BCL-2 family, forming homo- and heterodimers to inhibit cell death under cytotoxic stress. It is critical for the survival of NGF- and BDNF-dependent neurons and for adult spermatogenesis. Overexpression contributes to tumorigenesis and resistance to cancer therapy by preventing apoptosis. BCL2L2 is targeted by BH3-mimetic drugs developed for oncology, though selectivity remains a challenge due to functional redundancy in this protein family

Other names

BCL2L2Bcl-wBCL2-L-2BCLWPPP1R51BCL2 like 2

Induction of apoptosis by blocking anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins via BH3-mimetic small molecules (drugs mimic BH3-only protein interactions, antagonize BCL-2-like proteins, and trigger cell death in cancer cells) Possible modulation of cell survival pathways in neurons and germ cells through genetic or protein inhibition