Bax is proapoptoticmolecules of the Bcl-2 family of proteins. It also is a key regulator of apoptosis that functions to either inhibit or promote cell death. Apoptosis is mediated through two major pathways, the death receptor pathway and the mitochondrial pathway. The mitochondrial pathway is controlled and regulated by the Bcl-2 family of proteins. This protein family can be divided into antiapoptotic (Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, Bcl-w, Mcl-1, A1) and proapoptotic (Bax, Bak, Bok/Mtd, Bcl-Xs, Bid, Bad, Bik/Nbk, Bim, Blk) members. Furthermore, Bax protein forms homodimers and heterodimers with Bcl-2 in vivo and can induce Bcl-2-inhibited apoptosis. Both Bax and Bak commonly play a critical role in cytochrome c release from mitochondria and thus initiate apoptosis. Cells lacking both Bak and Bax do notundergo apoptosis in response to death stimuli, such as DNAdamaging agents, signal transduction through death receptors,growth factor deprivation, and ER stress.

The antibody is able to bind to immunized peptide, but not other unrelated peptides in ELISA. It also specifically detects cellular protein derived from selected cell lines. It recognizes Bax in both ELISA and WB. This antibody shows no cross-reactivity with other unrelated protein.

Always prepare single-use aliquots planning use while receiving package. A small amount of antibody can be kept at 4°C for daily use. For a long storage, recommend to keep them at -20°C after adding an equal volume of glycerol in PBS. It will not lose activity over a year. Minimize freezing and thawing when use.