The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the BCL-2
family. BCL-2 family members are known to be regulators of
programmed cell death. This protein positively regulates cell
apoptosis by forming heterodimers with BCL-xL and BCL-2, and
reversing their death repressor activity. Proapoptotic activity of
this protein is regulated through its phosphorylation. Protein
kinases AKT and MAP kinase, as well as protein phosphatase
calcineurin were found to be involved in the regulation of this
protein. Alternative splicing of this gene results in two
transcript variants which encode the same isoform. [provided by
RefSeq].
