The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the BCL2 protein family. BCL2 family members form hetero- or homodimers and act as anti- or pro-apoptotic regulators that are involved in a wide variety of cellular activities. This protein forms a heterodimer with BCL2, and functions as an apoptotic activator. This protein is reported to interact with, and increase the opening of, the mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), which leads to the loss in membrane potential and the release of cytochrome c. The expression of this gene is regulated by the tumor suppressor P53 and has been shown to be involved in P53-mediated apoptosis. Multiple alternatively spliced transcript variants, which encode different isoforms, have been reported for this gene. BAX (BCL2 Associated X, Apoptosis Regulator) is a Protein Coding gene. Diseases associated with BAX include Colorectal Cancer and Leukemia, Acute Lymphoblastic. Among its related pathways are Development IGF-1 receptor signaling and PEDF Induced Signaling. GO annotations related to this gene include protein homodimerization activity and protein heterodimerization activity.