BAX is a member of the Bcl-2 gene family. BCL2 family members form hetero- or homodimers and act as anti- or pro-apoptotic regulators that are involved in a wide variety of cellular activities. This protein forms a heterodimer with BCL2, and functions as an apoptotic activator.

The BCL-2 family has four main functions: inhibitory effects (BCL-2, BCL-Xl, BCL-W, BCL2-A1, and MCL-1), activation (BIM and PUMA), effector (BAX and BAK), and sensitization (NOXA).

Jan 30, 2023 · The BAX gene (Bcl-2 Associated X-protein) is a pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 gene family; it encodes a 21-kDa protein named BAX-alpha, whose association with Bcl-2 researchers believe plays a critical role in regulating intrinsic apoptosis.

Jun 2, 2006 · In mammals, the multidomain proteins (MDPs) of the Bcl-2 family include Bax, Bak, and Bok. The founding member of the MDP group of Bcl-2-family proteins was discovered by Stanley Korsmeyer...

A family of bcl-2 related genes is emerging that includes Bax, a conserved homolog that heterodimerizes in vivo with bcl-2. A pre-set ratio of Bcl-2/Bax appears to determine the survival or death of cells following an apoptotic stimulus.

Jul 12, 2023 · In this Review, we revisit the most important advances in the field and integrate them into a new structure–function-based classification of the BCL-2 family members that intends to provide a...

The Bax/Bcl-2 ratio plays a role in the balance of apoptosis, immortality, resistance, and outcome of chemotherapy. We analyzed the relationship between the Bax/BCl-2 ratio and the outcome of induction phase chemotherapy in pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).

Apr 9, 2025 · The BCL-2 family member BID plays a role during embryonic development in addition to its BH3-only protein function by acting in parallel to BAX, BAK and BOK. EMBO J. 2022;41:e110300.

Three groups of Bcl-2 family proteins regulate apoptosis: executioner proteins (e.g., Bax or Bak), their activators (the BH3 proteins), and inhibitors (e.g., Bcl-2). Several models propose how they interact.

Mar 2, 2018 · Two cytoplasmic proteins, B-cell lymphoma protein 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X (Bax) and Bcl-2, act as a promoter and an inhibitor of apoptosis, respectively. Both Bax and Bcl-2 as well as their ratio have been regarded as prognostic markers in various cancers.