Apoptosis plays a major role in normal organism development, tissue homeostasis, and removal of damaged cells and is caused by the activation of proteolytic enzymes termed caspases. Proteins that comprise the Bcl-2 family appear to control the activation of these enzymes. One such protein Bik was recently identified as an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-residing pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 homology domain-3 (BH3)-only group of the Bcl-2 family that stimulates mitochondrial release of cytochrome c following p53 induction of apoptosis. A significant fraction of BIK is found as an ER transmembrane protein, with most of the protein facing the cytosol. Restricting Bik to the ER membrane by replacing the transmembrane region with that of the ER-selective membrane anchor of cytochrome b(5) resulted in a decreased cytochrome c release from mitochondria and a corresponding drop in cell death. Recent evidence suggests that Bik cooperates with NOXA, another BH3-only protein, to somehow enhance the activation of Bax to stimulate the rapid release of cytochrome c from mitochondria.
Applications:
Suitable for use in ELISA, Western Blot and Immunocytochemistry. Other applications not tested.
Recommended Dilution:
Western Blot: 1-2ug/ml
Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher.
Positive Control:
Jurkat cell lysate
Storage and Stability:
May be stored at 4 degrees C for short-term only. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20 degrees C. Aliquots are stable for at least 12 months. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap.
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