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 protein encoded by this gene contains a Bcl-2 homology domain 3 (BH3). It has been shown to interact with other members of the BCL-2 protein family, including
BCL2,
BCL2L1/BCL-X(L), and
MCL1, and to act as an apoptotic activator. The expression of this gene can be induced by
nerve growth factor (NGF), as well as by the forkhead transcription factor FKHR-L1 (
FoxO3a), which suggests a role of this gene in neuronal and lymphocyte apoptosis. Transgenic studies of the mouse counterpart suggested that this gene functions as an essential initiator of apoptosis in
thymocyte-negative selection. Several alternatively spliced transcript variants of this gene have been identified.
Regulation of Bim Bim expression and activity are regulated at the transcriptional, translational and post-translational levels; coordinated expression and activity of Bim shape immune responses, and ensure tissue integrity. Cancer cells develop mechanisms that suppress Bim expression, which allows for tumor progression and metastasis. == Interactions ==