Which of the ollowing is an antiapoptotic ‘gene ?
**Core Concept**
Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death that plays a crucial role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and eliminating damaged or unwanted cells. Antiapoptotic genes, on the other hand, are involved in preventing or inhibiting apoptosis, thereby promoting cell survival.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) is a key antiapoptotic gene that inhibits apoptosis by blocking the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria, thereby preventing the activation of caspases and subsequent cell death. This is achieved through its interaction with proapoptotic proteins, such as Bax and Bak, which are involved in the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:**
This option is incorrect as there is no commonly known antiapoptotic gene by this name. However, it is worth noting that the Bcl-2 family of proteins is a large and diverse group, and there may be other members with similar functions.
**Option B:** (Correct Answer)
Bcl-2 is an antiapoptotic gene that plays a crucial role in regulating cell survival and death.
**Option C:**
This option is incorrect as Fas ligand (FasL) is actually a proapoptotic protein that induces apoptosis by binding to its receptor, Fas, on the surface of target cells.
**Option D:**
This option is incorrect as p53 is actually a tumor suppressor gene that promotes apoptosis in response to DNA damage or other forms of cellular stress.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Bcl-2 overexpression is often associated with cancer, particularly follicular lymphoma, where it contributes to the development and progression of the disease.
**Correct Answer: B. Bcl-2**