Bcl XL Human
Description
The Bcl-XL is purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
B-Cell Lymphoma Extra Large (BCL-xL) is a member of the BCL-2 protein family, which plays a crucial role in regulating cell death and survival. BCL-xL is encoded by the BCL2L1 gene and is known for its anti-apoptotic properties, making it a significant target in cancer research and therapy. The recombinant form of BCL-xL, produced through genetic engineering, allows for detailed studies and potential therapeutic applications.
The BCL-2 protein family consists of several proteins that regulate apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis. The family is divided into three subgroups based on their function and structure:
- Anti-apoptotic proteins: These include BCL-2, BCL-xL, and MCL-1, which prevent apoptosis by inhibiting pro-apoptotic proteins.
- Pro-apoptotic proteins: These include BAX and BAK, which promote apoptosis by forming pores in the mitochondrial membrane.
- BH3-only proteins: These include BID, BIM, and PUMA, which regulate the activity of both anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic proteins.
BCL-xL is a mitochondrial protein that inhibits apoptosis by preventing the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria, a critical step in the apoptotic pathway. It achieves this by binding to and neutralizing pro-apoptotic proteins such as BAX and BAK. BCL-xL has also been implicated in other cellular processes, including autophagy and senescence, where it can have dual roles depending on the cellular context .
BCL-xL is overexpressed in various cancers, including B-cell lymphomas, where it contributes to tumor cell survival and resistance to chemotherapy. Its anti-apoptotic function allows cancer cells to evade programmed cell death, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation. Targeting BCL-xL with specific inhibitors is a promising therapeutic strategy in cancer treatment .
The recombinant form of BCL-xL is produced using recombinant DNA technology, where the BCL2L1 gene is inserted into an expression vector and introduced into host cells, such as bacteria or yeast. These host cells then produce the BCL-xL protein, which can be purified and used for research or therapeutic purposes. Recombinant BCL-xL allows for detailed structural and functional studies, aiding in the development of targeted therapies.
Given its role in cancer cell survival, BCL-xL is a potential target for cancer therapy. Several small-molecule inhibitors of BCL-xL have been developed, aiming to restore the apoptotic pathway in cancer cells. These inhibitors can sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy and improve treatment outcomes. Additionally, understanding the dual roles of BCL-xL in autophagy and senescence may provide insights into novel therapeutic approaches .
