| abstract |
The present invention is predicated in part on the identification of a novel member of the Bcl-2 family of proteins. The protein is referred to herein as 'Bfk' for 'Bcl-2 family kin'. It is proposed that Bfk forms a new sub-family of Bcl-2 members along with Bcl-GL (Guo et al., 2001, supra). Bfk lacks a C-terminal membrane anchor and is cytosolic. On transfection, Bfk displays pro-apoptotic activity and antagonizes the pro-survival function of Bcl-2. Unlike other pro-apoptotic family members, however, Bfk does not bind to Bcl-2-like proteins, even though its BH3 motif mediates association. Bfk also fails to interact with Bax or BH3-only proteins such as Bim. Thus, proteins like Bfk and Bcl-GL, possessing only the BH3 and BH2 regions, represent a new pro-apoptotic sub-group in the Bcl-2 family. |