BCL2L1
Description
The BCL2L1 (BCL2 like 1) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 20.
Bcl-2-like protein 1 is a protein encoded by the BCL2L1 gene in humans. Through alternative splicing, the gene produces two distinct proteins: Bcl-xL and Bcl-xS. BCL2L1 is a member of the Bcl-2 protein family, which are involved in regulating cell death and other cellular processes. BCL2L1 proteins are located at the outer mitochondrial membrane, where they control the opening of voltage-dependent anion channels (VDACs). These channels regulate mitochondrial membrane potential, which in turn influences the production of reactive oxygen species and the release of cytochrome C - both potent triggers of apoptosis. The longer isoform, Bcl-xL, acts as an apoptotic inhibitor, while the shorter form, Bcl-xS, promotes apoptosis.
BCL2L1 is a potent inhibitor of cell death. It prevents activation of caspases, key enzymes involved in programmed cell death. BCL2L1 regulates cell death by directly binding to and blocking the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) on the mitochondrial membrane. This prevents the release of CYC1, a caspase activator, from the mitochondria, ultimately halting the apoptotic process. BCL2L1 also plays a role in regulating the G2 checkpoint and the progression to cytokinesis during cell division.
BCL2L1 is also known as BCL-XL/S, BCL2L, BCLX, Bcl-X, PPP1R52.
