This gene is a member of the BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kd-interacting protein (BNIP) family. It interacts with the E1B 19 kDa protein which is responsible for the protection of virally-induced cell death, as well as E1B 19 kDa-like sequences of BCL2, also an apoptotic protector. The protein encoded by this gene is a functional homolog of BNIP3, a proapoptotic protein. This protein may function simultaneously with BNIP3 and may play a role in tumor suppression. (provided by RefSeq)
BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa protein-interacting protein 3-like is a protein encoded by the BNIP3L gene in humans. It is a tumor suppressor gene located at chromosome 8p21. It functions in promoting apoptosis by interacting with antiapoptotic proteins (such as Bcl-2, Bcl-x(L), E1B19K, Nix) and as a tumor suppressor. It is involved in lung cancer development and occurrence, when down-regulated.
