Rabbit Anti-Human BAK / BAK1 (N-term.)

This product recognizes the Bcl-2 homologous antagonist/killer (Bak), an oligomeric protein localised to the outer mitochondrial membrane and the endoplasmic reticulum of healthy cells. Bak is a pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member similar to Bax with which it is thought to share significant homology. Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL interact with Bak and prevent the activation of Bak in healthy cells. Upon cytotoxic signalling, Mcl-1- and Bcl-xL-binding proteins (such as Noxa and Bad) displace Bak and apoptosis is induced. When activated, Bak (and Bax) permeabilises the outer membrane of the mitochondria or the ER to release proapoptogenic factors such as cytochrome c.