這個基因編碼的蛋白質是bcl-2家族的一員。bcl-2家族成員是細胞程序性死亡的調節者。該蛋白通過與bcl-xl和bcl-2形成異二聚體，并逆轉其死亡抑制活性，從而對細胞凋亡起到積極的調節作用。這種蛋白的促凋亡活性是通過磷酸化調節的。蛋白激酶akt和map激酶以及蛋白磷酸酶鈣調磷酸酶參與了該蛋白的調節。該基因的選擇性剪接導致兩個轉錄變體編碼相同的亞型。[由RefSeq提供，2008年7月]
The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the BCL-2 family. BCL-2 family members are known to be regulators of programmed cell death. This protein positively regulates cell apoptosis by forming heterodimers with BCL-xL and BCL-2, and reversing their death repressor activity. Proapoptotic activity of this protein is regulated through its phosphorylation. Protein kinases AKT and MAP kinase, as well as protein phosphatase calcineurin were found to be involved in the regulation of this protein. Alternative splicing of this gene results in two transcript variants which encode the same isoform. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]