The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the BCL2
protein family. BCL2 family members form hetero- or homodimers and
act as anti- or pro-apoptotic regulators that are involved in a
wide variety of cellular activities. This protein forms a
heterodimer with BCL2, and functions as an apoptotic activator.
This protein is reported to interact with, and increase the opening
of, the mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), which
leads to the loss in membrane potential and the release of
cytochrome c. The expression of this gene is regulated by the tumor
suppressor P53 and has been shown to be involved in P53-mediated
apoptosis. Multiple alternatively spliced transcript variants,
which encode different isoforms, have been reported for this gene.
