Study of the functional role of Bcl-2 family proteins in regulating Ca²⁺ signals in apoptotic cells

Recently, it was found that Bcl-2 family proteins can affect the apoptotic process by modifying Ca²⁺ released from the ER (endoplasmic reticulum). In this review, we summarize the evidence that Bcl-2 and Bax can modulate Ca²⁺ mobilization from the ER to the cytosol and mitochondria. We also found evidence that both Bcl-2 and Bax can interact with IP₃Rs (InsP₃ receptors) to modify the Ca²⁺ efflux from the ER. On the basis of our findings, we suggest that Bax may interact with IP₃Rs to facilitate the release of Ca²⁺ from the ER during apoptosis.