Recombinant Proteins
Product List
Bax Mouse
Bax Mouse Recombinant
Bax Mouse, GST
Bax Mouse Recombinant, GST
The Mouse Bax is purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Introduction
Bax, also known as BCL2-associated X protein, is a pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 protein family. This family is classified into two groups: anti-apoptotic proteins (e.g., Bcl-2, Bcl-xL) and pro-apoptotic proteins (e.g., Bax, Bak). Bax is characterized by the presence of Bcl-2 homology (BH) domains, which are crucial for its function in apoptosis .
Key Biological Properties: Bax is a 21 kDa protein composed of 192 amino acids. It has a similar tertiary structure to other Bcl-2 family members, with nine α-helices forming its core structure .
Expression Patterns and Tissue Distribution: Bax is ubiquitously expressed in various tissues, including the brain, liver, and kidneys. It is predominantly found in the cytosol of healthy cells but translocates to the mitochondria upon apoptotic stimuli .
Primary Biological Functions: Bax plays a pivotal role in the regulation of apoptosis. It promotes cell death by permeabilizing the mitochondrial outer membrane, leading to the release of cytochrome c and activation of the caspase cascade .
Role in Immune Responses and Pathogen Recognition: Bax is involved in the immune response by regulating the apoptosis of infected or damaged cells, thus preventing the spread of pathogens .
Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: Bax interacts with various proteins, including Bcl-2, to form heterodimers. This interaction is crucial for its pro-apoptotic function .
Binding Partners and Downstream Signaling Cascades: Bax binds to the mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), leading to the loss of membrane potential and release of apoptotic factors . It also interacts with BH3-only proteins, which activate Bax by inducing conformational changes .
Transcriptional Regulation: The expression of Bax is regulated by the tumor suppressor protein p53, which activates Bax transcription in response to cellular stress .
Post-Translational Modifications: Bax activity is modulated by various post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation and ubiquitination, which affect its stability and function .
Biomedical Research: Bax is extensively studied in cancer research due to its role in apoptosis. Modulating Bax activity can influence the survival of cancer cells, making it a potential target for therapeutic interventions .
Diagnostic Tools and Therapeutic Strategies: Bax expression levels can serve as biomarkers for disease progression and therapeutic efficacy. Bax modulators, which either enhance or inhibit its activity, are being explored for treating cancer and neurodegenerative diseases .
