BNIP3 Proteins and Enzymes

BNIP3 and its closely related functional homolog, BNIP3L, are proapoptotic mitochondrial proteins that are regulated by HIF-1 alpha. Each of these contains a single Bcl-2 homology 3 (BH3) domain and a C-terminal transmembrane domain required for mitochondrial localization, homodimerization, and regulation of its proapoptotic function. The mechanism of BNIP3-mediated apoptosis is independent of caspase activation and cytochrome c release.