BAP31, a human Bcl-2-interacting protein, is an integral membrane protein that is a component of a protein complex in the endoplasmic reticulum. This protein complex mechanically bridges an apoptosis-initiating caspase, like procaspase-8, with the anti-apoptotic regulator Bcl-2 or Bcl-XL. The cytosolic domain of BAP31 contains two identical caspase recognition sites, which are preferentially cleaved by initiator caspases, including caspase 8. Cleavage of BAP31 during apoptosis generates a p20 fragment, which remains integrated in the membrane and, when expressed ectopically, is a potent inducer of cell death. BAP31 cleavage is important for manifesting cytoplasmic apoptotic events associated with membrane fragmentation and in the cross talk between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum during Fas- mediated apoptosis. The BAP31 gene is ubiquitously expressed in murine tissues and is located on the X chromosome in both mouse and human.
