The Bcl-2 family of proteins

The Bcl-2 family of proteins plays a key role in controlling cell death, specifically a process called apoptosis. Some members, like Bcl-2 itself, prevent cells from dying, promoting survival. Others promote apoptosis, helping damaged or unwanted cells to self-destruct. This balance determines whether a cell survives or undergoes programmed death, which is vital for normal development and maintaining healthy tissues. Malfunctions in these proteins can contribute to diseases such as cancer, where cells avoid death, or degenerative disorders, where excessive cell death occurs. Overall, they’re essential regulators of cell life and death.