BOK
BOK (BCL2 family apoptosis regulator BOK, also known as Bcl-2-related ovarian killer protein, BCL2L9 or BOKL) is a pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family. It exerts its function through the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. Browse Assay Genie's current range of BOK research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
BOK is a pro-apoptotic molecule that exerts its function through the mitochondrial pathway. It belongs to the BCL2 family, whose members form homo- or heterodimers and act as anti- or pro-apoptotic regulators in a wide variety of cellular processes. Studies in rat show that BOK interacts strongly with some anti-apoptotic BCL2 proteins, does not interact with pro-apoptotic BCL2 proteins, and induces apoptosis in transfected cells. On this basis it is classed as a pro-apoptotic family member.
The human BOK gene encodes the Bcl-2-related ovarian killer protein. The rat studies point to restricted expression in reproductive tissues, which is reflected in the protein's name. UniProt records a broad set of subcellular locations for BOK, including mitochondrial membranes (outer and inner), the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, the nucleus and cytoplasm, early and recycling endosome membranes, and cis- and trans-Golgi network membranes. Mouse and rat each have a Bok ortholog.
BOK is listed by HGNC within the BCL2 family gene group under the approved name BCL2 family apoptosis regulator BOK; its previous name was BCL2 related ovarian killer. Other symbols include BCL2L9, BOKL and MGC4631. Researchers studying BOK commonly use a BOK antibody, a BOK ELISA kit or recombinant BOK protein to examine apoptotic signalling and BCL2 family interactions.
BOK is a pro-apoptotic BCL2 family member that acts through the mitochondrial pathway, making it relevant to studies of programmed cell death.
BOK interacts strongly with some anti-apoptotic BCL2 proteins but not with pro-apoptotic ones, informing work on family dimerisation and regulation.
Rat studies show restricted BOK expression in reproductive tissues, supporting investigation of apoptosis in these tissues.
BOK is reported at mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum membranes, among other compartments, relevant to organelle-linked cell death signalling.
BOK is a pro-apoptotic molecule that exerts its function through the mitochondrial pathway. In rat studies it induced apoptosis in transfected cells and interacted strongly with some anti-apoptotic BCL2 proteins, but not with pro-apoptotic BCL2 proteins.
BOK stands for BCL2 family apoptosis regulator BOK, and UniProt names the protein Bcl-2-related ovarian killer protein. Aliases and previous symbols include BCL2L9, BOKL and MGC4631. The previous HGNC name was BCL2 related ovarian killer.
Yes. Mouse and rat both have a Bok ortholog, and much of what is known about BOK's restricted reproductive tissue expression and interactions comes from rat studies. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other BCL2 family members and apoptosis regulators that work alongside BOK in the mitochondrial pathway.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q9UMX3; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.