The B cell CLL/lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) family of proteins control the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis, also known as intrinsic apoptosis. Direct binding between members of the BCL-2 family regulates mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) after an apoptotic insult. The ability of the cell to sense stress and translate it into a death signal has been a major theme of research for nearly three decades; however, other mechanisms by which the BCL-2 family coordinates cellular homeostasis beyond its role in initiating apoptosis are emerging. One developing area of research is understanding how the BCL-2 family of proteins regulate development using pluripotent stem cells as a model system. Understanding BCL-2 family-mediated regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis in cell death and beyond would uncover new facets of stem cell maintenance and differentiation potential.

中文翻译：

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生与死的联系：BCL-2家族协调线粒体网络动态和干细胞命运。

B细胞CLL /淋巴瘤2（BCL-2）蛋白家族控制细胞凋亡的线粒体途径，也称为内在凋亡。BCL-2家族成员之间的直接结合可调节细胞凋亡后的线粒体外膜通透性（MOMP）。近三十年来，细胞感知压力并将其转化为死亡信号的能力一直是研究的主题。然而，其他机制使BCL-2家族协调细胞稳态而不是其在启动细胞凋亡中的作用。研究的一个发展领域是使用多能干细胞作为模型系统来了解BCL-2蛋白质家族如何调节发育。