BAx

Bax may refer to several distinct topics. In biology, BAX, or BCL2-associated X protein, is a pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 protein family found in mammals. The protein localizes to the outer mitochondrial membrane and, upon activation, forms oligomers that promote mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization. This leads to the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol and activation of caspases, ultimately driving programmed cell death. BAX activity is tightly regulated by interactions with anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins and other regulators; in response to DNA damage or cellular stress, transcription of BAX can be upregulated, in part by the tumor suppressor p53. Abnormal BAX expression or function has been implicated in cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and conditions involving dysregulated apoptosis.

As a surname, Bax is of Dutch origin and is borne by individuals in the Netherlands and abroad. The name is found among artists, scientists, and public figures, among others.

The term BAX may also appear as an acronym in other fields, but in common usage the two primary references are the gene/protein and the surname.