Bcl-2 interaction with the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor: Role in Ca2+ signaling and disease

The Bcl-2 protein, best known for its ability to inhibit apoptosis, interacts with the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) Ca2+ channel to regulate IP3-mediated Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the interaction of Bcl-2, and also its homologue Bcl-xl, with the IP3R and how these interactions regulate Ca2+ signaling. The dual role of these interactions in promoting prosurvival Ca2+ signals, while at the same time inhibiting proapoptotic Ca2+ signals, is discussed. Moreover, this review will elucidate the recently recognized importance of the Bcl-2–IP3R interaction in human disease.