B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 Adenovirus

Members of the Bcl-2 family of proteins interact to regulate programmed cell death (apoptosis). Various homodimers and heterodimers formed by proteins in this family either promote or inhibit apoptosis. Pro-apoptotic members of this family include Bax, Bcl-xS, Bad, Bak, NBK (Bik), BID, Hrk, Bok, Bim, NOXA, Diva and Bmf. Apoptotic inhibitors include Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Bcl-x(beta), Bcl-x(gamma), Bcl-w, Mcl-1, Bag-1, A1 (Bfl-1), BAR and BI-1 (TEGT). Bok, or Bcl-2 related ovarian killer, induces apoptosis in cells, but is suppressed by anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins. BECN1 plays a significant role in autophagy. PUMA gene encodes two BH3 domain-containing proteins PUMA(alpha) and PUMA(beta), which have similar binding activities to Bcl-2, localize to the mitochondria to induce cytochrome c release and activate the rapid induction of programmed cell death.