BNIP3L
Description
The BNIP3L (BCL2 interacting protein 3 like) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 8.
BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa protein-interacting protein 3-like is a protein that in humans is encoded by the BNIP3L gene. This gene is a member of the BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kd-interacting protein (BNIP) family. It interacts with the E1B 19 kDa protein which is responsible for the protection of virally induced cell death, as well as E1B 19 kDa-like sequences of BCL2, also an apoptotic protector. The protein encoded by this gene is a functional homolog of BNIP3, a proapoptotic protein. This protein may function simultaneously with BNIP3 and may play a role in tumor suppression. BNIP3L has been shown to interact with STEAP3.
BNIP3L promotes programmed cell death (apoptosis). It interacts with both viral and cellular proteins that prevent apoptosis, and can overcome the protective effects of BCL-2 and BCL-XL, although very high levels of BCL-XL can block its activity. Interestingly, BNIP3L can also inhibit apoptosis triggered by its close relative, BNIP3. BNIP3L plays a role in maintaining the health of mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells. It interacts with a protein called SPATA18/MIEAP, which is involved in a process called mitochondrial protein catabolic process (MALM). MALM helps to break down damaged proteins within mitochondria. Together with SPATA18/MEIAP and BNIP3, BNIP3L regulates the opening of a channel in the mitochondrial membrane, allowing lysosomal proteins from the cell's cytoplasm to enter the mitochondria. This complex interplay suggests a key role for BNIP3L in managing the fate of damaged mitochondria. BNIP3L may also act as a tumor suppressor, potentially preventing the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells.
BNIP3L is also known as BNIP3a, NIP3L, NIX.
