Analysis Note

Measured by its ability to inhibit caspase-8-cleaved human BID-mediated release of cytochrome c from isolated mouse liver mitochondria using ELISA.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Like Bcl-2 and Bcl-x, the Bcl-w protein promotes cell survival, in contrast to other close homologues, Bax and Bak, which facilitate cell death. Bcl-w is an anti-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family that prevents release of cytochrome c from the mitochondrial intermembrane space into the cytosol. It is required for normal sperm maturation. Natural Bcl-w contains a C-terminal mitochondrial targeting sequence.

General description

This recombinant Bcl-w lacks the mitochondrial targeting sequence but maintains the ability to neutralize pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members.

Physical form

Supplied as a 0.2 µm filtered solution in 25 mM HEPES, pH 7.5, 0.1 M KCl, and 10% glycerol.