The oncogene BCL2 is a membrane protein that blocks a step in a pathway leading to apoptosis or programmed cell death. The protein encoded by this gene binds to BCL2 and is referred to as BCL2-associated athanogene. It enhances the anti-apoptotic effects of BCL2 and represents a link between growth factor receptors and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. Multiple protein isoforms are encoded by this mRNA through the use of a non-AUG (CUG) initiation codon, and three alternative downstream AUG initiation codons. A related pseudogene has been defined on chromosome X.,BAG1,BAG-1,HAP,RAP46,Cancer,Invasion and Metastasis,Cell Biology & Developmental Biology,Apoptosis,Bcl 2 family,Autophagy,Endocrine & Metabolism,Cardiovascular,Heart,BAG1