Bax-Knockout HeLa Cell Lysate

Bax (Bcl-2-associated X protein) is a pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 protein family and a key regulator of the intrinsic, mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway. In response to cellular stress, Bax undergoes conformational activation and translocates from the cytosol to the mitochondrial outer membrane, where it oligomerizes with other pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins to promote mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization and the release of cytochrome c. Cytochrome c subsequently contributes to apoptosome formation and activation of caspase-9 and downstream executioner caspases, including caspase-3, ultimately leading to apoptotic cell death. Bax antibodies are widely used in Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry to assess Bax expression, subcellular localization, and apoptosis-related signaling. Caspase-3 knockout may inhibit or delay the downstream execution phase of apoptosis and increase cellular resistance to apoptosis-inducing stimuli, while Bax activation and mitochondrial apoptotic signaling may remain relatively intact, depending on the cell type and apoptotic stimulus.