This Bcl-2 encodes an integral outer mitochondrial membrane protein that blocks the apoptotic death of some cells such as lymphocytes. Constitutive expression of Bcl-2, such as in the case of translocation of Bcl-2 to Ig heavy chain locus, is thought to be the cause of follicular lymphoma. Bcl-2 exerts a survival function in response to a wide range of apoptotic stimuli through inhibition of mitochondrial cytochrome c release. It has been implicated in modulating mitochondrial calcium homeostasis and proton flux.
