Description: This bcl-2/100 monoclonal antibody reacts to human Bcl-2 (B-cell Lymphoma 2), the founding member of a family of pro-apoptotic proteins which includes Bcl-XL, Bcl-w, and Mcl-1. Bcl-2 plays a role in protecting against apoptosis-inducing insults such as dexamethasone and staurosporine, as well as irradiation and cytokine withdrawal. The mechanism is thought to include regulation of mitochondrial membrane permeability, resulting in sequestration of caspase proforms, or by preventing the release of apoptosis-mediating mitochondrial factors, such as cytochrome c and AIF (apoptosis-inducing factor), into the cytoplasm. Bcl-2 is localized to the cytoplasmic side of the mitochondrial membrane, the nuclear envelope, and the endoplasmic reticulum. Interestingly Bcl-2 does not play a role in preventing cell death of autoreactive T cells in the thymus or Fas-mediated apoptosis. Two isoforms, termed alpha and beta of Bcl-2 have been identified and are a result of alternative splicing at the C-terminus. This antibody recognizes both forms.
