Bag-1: Proteins and Enzymes

Bag-1 (Bcl-2-associated Athanogene 1) is a 31-kDa protein with an apparent molecular mass of 46 kDa that can bind to Bcl-2 and enhance its anti-apoptotic effect, resulting in increased protection from cell death induced by apoptotic stimuli. Bag-1 shares no significant homology with Bcl-2 or other Bcl-2 family proteins. The C-terminal region of Bag-1 binds the PDGF and HGF Receptor, and enhances growth factor-mediated protection from apoptosis. This represents a link between growth factor receptors and anti-apoptotic mechanisms.