Bcl-2-interacting killer


Bcl-2-interacting killer is a protein that in humans is encoded by the BIK gene.

Function

The protein encoded by this gene is known to interact with cellular and viral survival-promoting proteins, such as BCL2 and the Epstein-Barr virus in order to enhance programmed cell death. Because its activity is suppressed in the presence of survival-promoting proteins, this protein is suggested as a likely target for antiapoptotic proteins. This protein shares a critical BH3 domain with other death-promoting proteins, BAX and BAK.

Interactions

Bcl-2-interacting killer has been shown to interact with BCL2-like 1 and Bcl-2.