BCL2L2
Bcl-2-like protein 2 is a 193-amino acid protein that in humans is encoded by the BCL2L2 gene on chromosome 14. It was originally discovered by Leonie Gibson, Suzanne Cory and colleagues at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, who called it Bcl-w.
Function
This gene encodes a pro-survival member of the bcl-2 protein family, and is most similar to Bcl-xL. The proteins of this family form hetero- or homodimers and act as anti- and pro-apoptotic regulators. Expression of this gene in cells has been shown to contribute to reduced cell apoptosis under cytotoxic conditions. Studies of the related gene in mice indicated a role in the survival of NGF- and BDNF-dependent neurons. Mutation and knockout studies of the mouse gene demonstrated an essential role in adult spermatogenesis.Clinical significance
High levels of Bcl-w are seen in many cancers, including glioblastoma, colorectal cancer, non-small-cell lung carcinoma, and breast cancer. Breast cancer patients with metastasis have higher Bcl-w than breast cancer patients only having primary tumor. Elevated levels of Bcl-w has been shown to protect neurons from cell death induced by amyloid beta. Parkinson's disease patients with a mutant PARK2 gene have elevated Bcl-w. Bcl-w has been shown to contribute to cellular senescence.Quercetin has been shown to inhibit the PI3K/AKT pathway leading to downregulation of Bcl-w.