P53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis

The p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis, or PUMA, is a pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 protein family. Bcl-2 family members can form hetero- or homodimers, and they act as anti- or pro-apoptotic regulators that are involved in a wide variety of cellular activities. The expression of PUMA is regulated by the tumor suppressor p53, and PUMA has been shown to be involved in p53-mediated apoptosis.