The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the
Bcl-2 protein family. Bcl-2 family members form hetero- or homodimers and act as anti- or pro-
apoptotic regulators that are involved in a wide variety of cellular activities. The proteins encoded by this gene are located at the
outer mitochondrial membrane, and have been shown to regulate outer mitochondrial membrane channel (
voltage-dependent anion channels (VDACs) opening. VDACs regulate mitochondrial membrane potential, and thus controls the production of
reactive oxygen species and release of
cytochrome C by mitochondria, both of which are the potent inducers of
cell apoptosis. Two alternatively spliced transcript variants, which encode distinct isoforms, have been reported. The longer isoform (
Bcl-xL) acts as an apoptotic inhibitor and the shorter form (Bcl-xS) acts as an apoptotic activator. == Interactions ==