O60238

Bnip3L, which is also designated Nip3L or Nix, is highly related to Nip3, and both proteins localize to the mitochondria where they associate with Bcl-2 proteins. This gene encodes a protein that belongs to the pro-apoptotic subfamily within the Bcl-2 family of proteins. The encoded protein binds to Bcl-2 and possesses the BH3 domain. The protein directly targets mitochondria and causes apoptotic changes, including loss of membrane potential and the release of cytochrome c. Nip3 preferentially binds to Bcl-xL and induces apoptosis by suppressing the anti-apoptosis activity of Bcl-xL.