BCL-2 family members form hetero- or homodimers and act as anti- or pro-apoptotic regulators that are involved in a wide variety of cellular activities. The proteins encoded by this gene are located at the outer mitochondrial membrane, and have been shown to regulate outer mitochondrial membrane channel (VDAC) opening. VDAC regulates mitochondrial membrane potential, and thus controls the production of reactive oxygen species and release of cytochrome C by mitochondria, both of which are the potent inducers of cell apoptosis. Two alternatively spliced transcript variants, which encode distinct isoforms, have been reported. The longer isoform (Bcl-xL) acts as an apoptotic inhibitor and the shorter form (Bcl-xS) acts as an apoptotic activator. Source: Recombinant protein corresponding to aa1-212 of human Bcl-xL with C-terminal His tag expressed in E. coli (Z23115). Applications: Suitable for use in the study of apoptosis, screening inhibitors and selectivity profiling. Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilution: Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. Storage and Stability: Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -70C. Aliquots are stable for at least 6 months at -70C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.