Beclin-1
Beclin-1 (BECN1, also known as ATG6 or VPS30) is a member of the beclin family that regulates autophagy, the starvation-induced catabolic process of degradation. It is a component of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) complex, which mediates vesicle-trafficking processes. Browse Assay Genie's current range of Beclin-1 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
Beclin-1 regulates autophagy, a catabolic process of degradation induced by starvation. The protein is a component of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) complex, which mediates vesicle-trafficking processes. HGNC classifies the gene within the autophagy related group, the PIK3C3 complex subunits and the beclin family, reflecting its role alongside the class III PI3K machinery.
The BECN1 gene encodes a protein that UniProt records in a range of cellular compartments: the cytoplasm, autophagosomes, endosomes and endosome membranes, the trans-Golgi network membrane, the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, mitochondria and the nucleus. This broad distribution fits a protein involved in membrane and vesicle dynamics. Alternative splicing of the gene results in multiple transcript variants. Mouse and rat each carry an ortholog named Becn1, so the Beclin-1 protein can be studied in common rodent models.
Beclin-1 is thought to play a role in multiple cellular processes, including tumorigenesis, neurodegeneration and apoptosis, which is why the Beclin-1 gene and protein are widely examined in cancer, neuroscience and cell death research. In a microbial infection context, UniProt notes that it protects against infection by a neurovirulent strain of Sindbis virus. The gene is also known as ATG6 and VPS30, and earlier HGNC names include beclin 1 (coiled-coil, moesin-like BCL2 interacting protein).
Beclin-1 regulates autophagy, the starvation-induced degradative process, making it a central protein for studying autophagosome-linked catabolism.
As a component of the PI3K complex, Beclin-1 is relevant to vesicle-trafficking processes across endosomal, Golgi and autophagosomal membranes.
Beclin-1 is thought to contribute to tumorigenesis and apoptosis, so it is frequently examined in studies of cell survival and death.
Beclin-1 is implicated in neurodegeneration and, per UniProt, protects against a neurovirulent strain of Sindbis virus.
Beclin-1 regulates autophagy, a catabolic degradation process induced by starvation. It is a component of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) complex, which mediates vesicle-trafficking processes. It is also thought to be involved in tumorigenesis, neurodegeneration and apoptosis.
The gene symbol is BECN1, with ATG6 and VPS30 as aliases. Earlier HGNC names were beclin 1 (coiled-coil, moesin-like BCL2 interacting protein) and beclin 1, autophagy related. Alternative splicing produces multiple transcript variants of the gene.
Yes. Both mouse and rat have an ortholog named Becn1, so Beclin-1 can be studied in rodent models. Cross-reactivity differs between reagents, so check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other autophagy-related proteins, PI3K complex subunits and apoptosis regulators with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q14457; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.