Non-apoptotic roles of Bcl-2 family: The calcium connection

► Bcl-2 proteins are acknowledged to be the key regulators of apoptosis. ► The versatile second messenger calcium can induce apoptosis by different pathways. ► Bcl-2 proteins regulate Ca2 + homeostasis at the ER and at the mitochondria. ► Beyond apoptosis, Bcl-2 proteins are involved in other cellular processes. ► Ca2 + homeostasis regulation may be a common mechanism for these non-apoptotic roles.