BCL2-related protein A1

Bcl-2-related protein A1 is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the BCL2A1 is_associated_with::gene.

Function
This gene encodes a member of the bcl2 protein family. The proteins of this family form hetero- or homodimers and act as anti- and pro-is_associated_with::apoptotic regulators that are involved in a wide variety of cellular activities such as embryonic development, homeostasis and is_associated_with::tumorigenesis. The protein encoded by this gene is able to reduce the release of pro-apoptotic is_associated_with::cytochrome c from is_associated_with::mitochondria and block is_associated_with::caspase activation. This gene is a direct transcription target of is_associated_with::NF-kappa B in response to inflammatory mediators, and has been shown to be up-regulated by different extracellular signals, such as granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (is_associated_with::GM-CSF), is_associated_with::CD40, is_associated_with::phorbol ester and inflammatory cytokine is_associated_with::TNF and IL-1, which suggests a cytoprotective function that is essential for is_associated_with::lymphocyte activation as well as cell survival.

In melanocytic cells BCL2A1 gene expression may be regulated by MITF.

Interactions
BCL2-related protein A1 has been shown to interact with:
 * is_associated_with::Bcl-2-associated X protein, and
 * is_associated_with::Bcl-2-associated death promoter.