B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xL), encoded by the BCL2-like 1 gene, is a transmembrane molecule in the mitochondria. It is a member of the Bcl-2 family of proteins, and acts as an anti-apoptotic protein by preventing the release of mitochondrial contents such as cytochrome c, which leads to caspase activation and ultimately, programmed cell death.[1]
- ^ Korsmeyer SJ (March 1995). "Regulators of cell death". Trends in Genetics. 11 (3): 101–105. doi:10.1016/S0168-9525(00)89010-1. PMID 7732571.