bcl-X

bcl-X, or bcl-2-like 1 protein, a member of the bcl-2 protein family, inhibits cell death, or apoptosis and functions as a regulator of apoptosis. bcl-X has two isoforms: bcl-XL (Long), a 241-amino acid protein; and bcl-XS (Short), a 178-amino acid protein lacking a 63-amino acid domain that is well conserved among members of the bcl-2 family.

bcl-X is typically present in the cytosol in association with the mitochondrial membrane. bcl-XL forms heterodimers with various proteins, including Bax, Bak and bcl-2. It has been found that heterodimerization with Bax does not seem to be required for anti-apoptotic activity.

Bcl-X is a purified immunoglobulin fraction of rabbit antiserum that is filter sterilized and diluted in buffer pH 7.5, containing BSA and sodium azide as a preservative.

1. Ogata Y, Takahashi M, Drug News Perspect. 2004;16(7):446-52
2. Boise LH, et al. Cell. 1993;74(4):597-608
3. Cheng EH, et al. Nature. 1996;379(6565):554-6

1. Cut and mount 3-4 micron formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues on positive charged slides.
2. Air dry for 2 hours at 58° C.
3. Deparaffinize, dehydrate and rehydrate tissues.
4. Subject tissues to heat epitope retrieval using a suitable retrieval solution such as ImmunoDNA Retriever with Citrate (BSB 0020-BSB 0023) or EDTA (BSB 0030-BSB 0033).
5. Any of three heating methods may be used:
   • Electric Pressure Cooker
     Place standoff rack at base of pressure cooker. Add 1-2 inches of distilled water to the pressure cooker and turn heat to high, and incubate for 15 minutes. Open and immediately transfer slides to room temperature.
   • Water Bath Method
     Place tissues/slides in a pre-warmed staining dish or coplin jar containing the ImmunoDNA Retriever with Citrate or EDTA in a water bath set at 95°-99° C. Incubate for 30-60 minutes.
   • Conventional Steamer Method
     Place tissues/slides in a pre-warmed staining dish or coplin jar containing the ImmunoDNA Retriever with Citrate or EDTA in a Steamer, cover and steam for 30-60 minutes.
6. After heat treatment, transfer slides in ImmunoDNA Retriever with Citrate or EDTA to room temperature and let stand for 15-20 minutes.
7. Wash slides with IHC wash buffer or DI water.
8. Continue IHC staining protocol.