Anti-Bcl-2 (Apoptosis & Follicular Lymphoma Marker)(Clone: SPM530)

This antibody recognizes a protein of 25-26kDa, identified as the bcl-2 alpha oncoprotein. It shows no cross-reaction with Bcl-x or Bax protein. Expression of bcl-2 alpha oncoprotein inhibits the programmed cell death (apoptosis). In most follicular lymphomas, neoplastic germinal centers express high levels of bcl-2 alpha protein, whereas the normal or hyperplastic germinal centers are negative. Consequently, this antibody is valuable when distinguishing between reactive and neoplastic follicular proliferation in lymph node biopsies. It may also be used in distinguishing between those follicular lymphomas that express bcl-2 protein and the small number in which the neoplastic cells are bcl-2 negative. Protein function: Suppresses apoptosis in a variety of cell systems including factor-dependent lymphohematopoietic and neural cells. Regulates cell death by controlling the mitochondrial membrane permeability. Appears to function in a feedback loop system with caspases. Inhibits caspase activity either by preventing the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria and/or by binding to the apoptosis-activating factor (APAF-1). May attenuate inflammation by impairing NLRP1-inflammasome activation, hence CASP1 activation and IL1B release (PubMed:17418785). [The UniProt Consortium]