Open Access

The role of Bcl‑2 in controlling the transition between autophagy and apoptosis (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Ahmet Alperen Palabiyik
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: April 15, 2025     https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2025.13537
  • Article Number: 172
  • Copyright: © Palabiyik . This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

The Bcl‑2 protein family serves a key role in maintaining cellular homeostasis by regulating the balance between autophagy and apoptosis. The present review aimed to summarize interactions of Bcl‑2 with key proteins, including Beclin 1, Bax and Bcl‑2 homologous antagonist/killer, as well as its influence on cellular processes such as mitophagy, nutrient sensing and endoplasmic reticulum stress response. The impact of post‑translational modifications of Bcl‑2, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination and sumoylation, is discussed with respect to their regulatory roles under stress. In pathological states, Bcl‑2 upregulation in cancer suppresses apoptosis and autophagy, thereby facilitating tumor survival and resistance to chemotherapy. Conversely, in neurodegenerative diseases, impaired autophagy and increased apoptosis contribute to neuronal loss. Therapeutic strategies targeting Bcl‑2 (for example inhibitors such as venetoclax, navitoclax, obatoclax and combination therapies involving autophagy modulators) were evaluated for their potential efficacy. There is lack of understanding of tissue‑specific functions of Bcl‑2 and its interactions with non‑coding RNAs. Future research should prioritize these areas and leverage advanced single‑cell technologies to elucidate the real‑time dynamics of Bcl‑2 in cell processes. The present review highlights the key role of Bcl‑2 in cell fate determination and highlights its potential as a therapeutic target, offering insight for the development of innovative treatments for cancer, neurodegenerative disorder and age‑related diseases.
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July-2025
Volume 32 Issue 1

Print ISSN: 1791-2997
Online ISSN:1791-3004

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Spandidos Publications style
Palabiyik AA: The role of Bcl‑2 in controlling the transition between autophagy and apoptosis (Review). Mol Med Rep 32: 172, 2025.
APA
Palabiyik, A.A. (2025). The role of Bcl‑2 in controlling the transition between autophagy and apoptosis (Review). Molecular Medicine Reports, 32, 172. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2025.13537
MLA
Palabiyik, A. A."The role of Bcl‑2 in controlling the transition between autophagy and apoptosis (Review)". Molecular Medicine Reports 32.1 (2025): 172.
Chicago
Palabiyik, A. A."The role of Bcl‑2 in controlling the transition between autophagy and apoptosis (Review)". Molecular Medicine Reports 32, no. 1 (2025): 172. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2025.13537