B-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) is a protein encoded by the BCL2 gene in humans. It is a member of the BCL-2 family of regulator proteins that regulate cell death (apoptosis) by either inducing or inhibiting apoptosis. The BCL-2 protein is crucial in the regulation of the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis, which is a key mechanism in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and the prevention of cancer.
The BCL-2 protein consists of several domains, including the BH1, BH2, BH3, and BH4 domains, which are involved in its anti-apoptotic function. The (1-206 a.a.) fragment of the BCL-2 protein represents the first 206 amino acids of the protein, which includes the BH4 domain and part of the BH3 domain. This fragment is significant because it retains the ability to inhibit apoptosis, making it a valuable tool for research and therapeutic applications.
BCL-2 is known for its role in cancer, particularly in B-cell malignancies such as B-cell leukemia and lymphoma. Overexpression of BCL-2 has been observed in various cancers, where it contributes to the resistance of cancer cells to apoptosis, allowing them to survive and proliferate uncontrollably. This makes BCL-2 a target for cancer therapy, with several BCL-2 inhibitors being developed and tested in clinical trials.
The human recombinant BCL-2 (1-206 a.a.) is a laboratory-produced version of the BCL-2 protein fragment. It is used in research to study the function of BCL-2 and its role in apoptosis and cancer. Recombinant proteins are produced using recombinant DNA technology, which involves inserting the gene encoding the protein into a host cell, such as bacteria or yeast, which then produces the protein.
The recombinant BCL-2 (1-206 a.a.) protein is used in various research applications, including: