Apoptosis regulator BAX (BAX)

Plays a role in the mitochondrial apoptotic process. Under ordinary conditions, BAX is largely cytosolic via constant retrotranslocation from mitochondria into the cytosol mediated by BCL2L1/Bcl-xL, which avoids accumulation of poisonous BAX levels in the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) (PubMed:21458670).

Under stress conditions, undergoes a conformation change that leads to translocation into the mitochondrion membrane, resulting in the release of cytochrome c that then triggers apoptosis. Promotes activation of CASP3, and thereby apoptosis.