Study of the functional role of Bcl-2 family proteins in regulating Ca(2+) signals in apoptotic cells.

Recently, it was found that Bcl-2 family proteins can affect the apoptotic process by modifying Ca(2+) released from the ER (endoplasmic reticulum). In this review, we summarize the evidence that Bcl-2 and Bax can modulate Ca(2+) mobilization from the ER to the cytosol and mitochondria. We also found evidence that both Bcl-2 and Bax can interact with IP(3)Rs (InsP(3) receptors) to modify the Ca(2+) efflux from the ER. On the basis of our findings, we suggest that Bax may interact with IP(3)Rs to facilitate the release of Ca(2+) from the ER during apoptosis.