Potent inhibitor of cell death. Inhibits activation of caspases. Appears to regulate cell death by blocking the voltage- dependent anion channel (VDAC) by binding to it and preventing the release of the caspase activator, CYC1, from the mitochondrial membrane. Also acts as a regulator of G2 checkpoint and progression to cytokinesis during mitosis.
Tissue Specificity
Bcl-X(S) is expressed at high levels in cells that undergo a high rate of turnover, such as developing lymphocytes. In contrast, Bcl-X(L) is found in tissues containing long-lived postmitotic cells, such as adult brain.