BNIP1 is a member of the BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kd-interacting protein (BNIP) family. It interacts with the E1B 19 kDa protein, which protects cells from virally-induced cell death. This protein also interacts with E1B 19 kDa-like sequences of BCL2, another apoptotic protector. In addition, it is involved in vesicle transport into the endoplasmic reticulum. Alternative splicing of this gene results in four protein products with identical N- and C-termini. Recombinant human BNIP1 protein, fused to His-tag at N-terminus, was expressed in E.coli .