The key role of Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma) family proteins in

programmed cell death (apoptosis) is reliably established,

but particular molecular mechanisms of downregulation
involving these anti-and pro-apoptotic proteins are still
insufficiently clear. There are several hypotheses
explaining the cell-protective (Bcl-2, Bcl-XL) and pro-
apoptotic (Bcl-x, Bak) functions of Bcl-2 family proteins.
This paper briefly summarizes the available information
concerning the molecular mechanisms of action of the pro-
and anti-apoptotic proteins of Bcl-2 family. In particular,
an original hypothesis is put forward according to which
homo-and heterodimerization of these proteins are the key
events in the mechanism of Ca2+ ion dependent
homeostasis regulation.