Beclin-1

Protein involved in autophagy

Beclin-1 is a protein that plays a crucial role in the process of autophagy, a cellular degradation pathway that is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis. The gene encoding Beclin-1 is known as BECN1 and is located on chromosome 17 in humans.

Function

Beclin-1 is a key regulator of autophagy, a process that involves the degradation and recycling of cellular components. It interacts with various other proteins to form the Beclin-1 complex, which is essential for the initiation of autophagosome formation. This complex includes proteins such as Vps34, Atg14, and Ambra1.

Structure

The Beclin-1 protein contains several domains that are important for its function. These include a Bcl-2 homology (BH3) domain, which allows it to interact with anti-apoptotic proteins such as Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. This interaction is crucial for the regulation of autophagy and apoptosis.

Role in Disease

Mutations or alterations in the expression of Beclin-1 have been implicated in various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and infectious diseases. For instance, decreased expression of Beclin-1 has been observed in several types of cancer, suggesting a potential role as a tumor suppressor.

Interactions

Beclin-1 interacts with a variety of proteins to regulate autophagy. Some of the key interacting partners include:

• Vps34
• Atg14
• Ambra1
• Bcl-2
• Bcl-xL

Research

Ongoing research is focused on understanding the precise mechanisms by which Beclin-1 regulates autophagy and its implications in various diseases. Therapeutic strategies targeting Beclin-1 and its interacting partners are being explored for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.

See also

• Autophagy
• Apoptosis
• Bcl-2
• Vps34
• Atg14
• Ambra1