Apoptosis modulator BCL-B and methods for making and using same

摘要

A novel human member of the Bcl-2 family Bcl-B has been identified, which is closest in amino-acid sequence homology to the Boo (Diva) protein. The Bcl-B protein is widely expressed in adult human tissues. The Bcl-B protein modulates apoptosis. Bcl-B also binds Bcl-2. BCl-XL, and Bax but not Bak. Bcl-B displays a unique pattern of selectivity for binding and regulating the function of other members of the Bcl-2 family. Accordingly, provided herein is a method for identifying a molecule that binds to the Bcl-B polypeptide, by contacting the Bcl-B polypeptide with a test molecule and determining whether the test molecule binds to the polypeptide.