Anti-BAX (Apoptosis Regulator BAX, Bcl-2-like Protein 4, Bcl2-L-4, BAX, BCL2L4)

The Bax protein belongs to a growing family of related Bcl-2 proteins which regulate apoptosis by controlling the permeability of the mitochondrial membrane to the apoptogenic protein cytochrome c. Cytochrome c, in turn, activates the proteolytic proteins known as caspases. The Bcl-2 protein family members play both pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic roles, and all possess at least one of four conserved motifs known as "Bcl-2 homology domains" (BH1 to BH4). These domains play key roles as binding sites which allow these proteins to form homodimers or heterodimers, thus regulating the apoptotic activity of these proteins. Bax is a cytosolic protein that plays a pro-apoptotic role by binding to the permeability transition pore complex (PTPC) and by binding Bcl-2, a protein which plays an anti-apoptotic role. The ratio between Bax/Bcl-2 heterodimers and Bax/Bax homodimers appears to be pivotal in determining the lifespan of a cell. Bax exhibits numerous splice variants, including alpha, beta, delta, gamma and kappa. Bax-beta is a 218aa protein. Intron 5 of Bax-beta RNA consists of 630 bp and does not undergo splicing, which accounts for the apparent size increase. Applications: Suitable for use in Western Blot. Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilution: Western Blot: 1:500-1:1000, Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. Storage and Stability: May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20°C. Aliquots are stable for 12 months after receipt. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap.