Bcl-w

Bcl-w is a pro-survival (anti-apoptotic) member of the bcl-2 protein family; a family involved in the regulation of cellular apoptosis at the mitochondrion. Relative to its Bcl-2 counterparts there is considerably less data on this particular protein however much effort is being made to further understand its cellular roles. Located on chromosome 14q11 it appears to be redundent in most tissues apart from specific examples. It was originally discovered by Gibson et al., Oncogene 1996 13:655-675.

1. Gibson et al., bcl-w a novel member of the bcl-2 family, promotes cell survival. Oncogene 1996, 13: 655-675