ISSN:
0730-2312
Keywords:
bcl-2 gene
;
localization
;
apoptosis
;
antioxidants
;
oxidative stress
;
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Cell & Developmental Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Medicine
Notes:
The bcl-2 gene has a unique function among mammalian oncogenes as a negative regulator of apoptosis. Its expression pattern in embryonic and adult tissues is consistent with a role in maintaining in vivo survival of specific cell types.The biochemical function of bcl-2 is unknown, but its localization to mitochondrial and microsomal membranes suggests several possibilities, bcl-2 is protective against oxidative stress in mammalian cells and can be replaced by antioxidants in a factor-deprivation model of apoptosis. These results are consistent with a model of apoptotic death involving oxidative stress in a central pathway.The recent discovery of several bcl-2-related genes, some of which also inhibit apoptosis and others that unexpectedly promote apoptosis, has shed new light on several aspects of bcl-2 action. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Additional Material:
1 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
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