Structure and function of bak gene and its apoptosis-inducing mechanism

The Bcl-2 family plays an important role in the regulation of apoptosis. Some members in the family prevent apoptosis while others promote it. The newly discovered bcl-2 homolog, bak, promotes the apoptosis induced by a variety of stimuli. It can interact with the anti-apoptotic members through its BH3 domain and antagonize their activity. Investigation results suggest that the expression of bak gene becomes altered in some diseases, such as cancer. The preferential stimulation of Bak-induced apoptosis, therefore, may be involved in the mechanisms of some antitumor drugs.