Role of BCL-2 Family Proteins in Apoptosis and its Regulation by Nutrients

In the body, millions of cells die and proliferate each day to maintain normal function and cooperation of all tissues, organs, and systems. Thus, programmed cell death, or apoptosis, is critical to sustain growth, development, and body health. The vital role of B-cell leukemia/lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) family proteins in apoptosis has been identified. The BCL-2 family includes both pro- and antiapoptotic proteins, which are structurally and functionally related, containing up to four BCL-2 homology (BH) motifs (BH1-4). There are also some nutritional factors that regulate apoptosis via the BCL-2 family proteins. In this review, the BCL-2 family proteins and their apoptosis-inducing mechanism have been discussed, along with the nutrient factors that regulate apoptosis through the BCL-2 family proteins.