Bcl-w

Bcl-2-like protein 2 (BCL2L2) is also known as apoptosis regulator Bcl-W (BCLW), is a pro-survival (anti-apoptotic) member of the bcl-2 protein family. The proteins of this family form hetero- or homodimers and act as anti- and pro-apoptotic regulators. BCL2L2 is expressed (at protein level) in a wide range of tissues with highest levels in brain, spinal cord, testis, pancreas, heart, spleen and mammary glands. Moderate levels found in thymus, ovary and small intestine. Bcl2-L-2 promotes cell survival, blocks dexamethasone-induced apoptosis, mediates survival of postmitotic sertoli cells by suppressing death-promoting activity of BAX.