Bax is a cytosolic protein that, upon receiving apoptotic signals, undergoes a conformational change and translocates to the mitochondrial membrane. Here, it forms oligomers and inserts into the outer mitochondrial membrane, leading to the release of cytochrome c and other pro-apoptotic factors from the mitochondria into the cytosol. This release triggers the activation of caspases, which are the executioners of apoptosis .
The primary function of Bax is to promote apoptosis through mitochondrial stress. Upon apoptotic stimulation, Bax forms oligomers and translocates from the cytosol to the mitochondrial membrane . This translocation is a critical step in the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis, which is regulated by the balance between pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family .
Recombinant Bax proteins, such as Bax (Mouse Recombinant), are widely used in research to study the mechanisms of apoptosis and to develop potential therapeutic strategies for diseases characterized by dysregulated apoptosis, such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. These recombinant proteins are typically produced in bacterial or mammalian expression systems and purified for use in various experimental assays .
The dysregulation of Bax and other Bcl-2 family proteins is implicated in various diseases. Overexpression of anti-apoptotic proteins or loss of pro-apoptotic proteins like Bax can lead to the survival of abnormal cells, contributing to the development and progression of cancer. Conversely, excessive apoptosis due to overactive Bax can result in tissue damage and is associated with neurodegenerative diseases .