BCL2L12

Bcl-2-like protein 12 is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the BCL2L12 is_associated_with::gene.

The is_associated_with::protein encoded by this gene belongs to the is_associated_with::Bcl-2 protein family. Bcl-2 family members form hetero- or is_associated_with::homodimers and act as anti- or pro-is_associated_with::apoptotic regulators that are involved in a wide variety of cellular activities. This protein contains a Bcl-2 homology domain 2 (BH2). The function of this gene has not yet been determined. Two alternatively spliced transcript variants of this gene encoding distinct is_associated_with::isoforms have been reported.

Bcl2L12 expression is upregulated in most human glioblastomas. Expression of Bcl2L12 results in resistance to is_associated_with::apoptosis. Bcl2L12 directly neutralizes caspase-7 (is_associated_with::CASP7) and indirectly neutralizes caspase-3 (is_associated_with::CASP3) by an indirect mechanism. Both caspase enzymes are known to play essential roles in the execution phase of apoptosis.