This gene encodes a member of the BCL-2 protein family. Members of this family are involved in activating or inhibiting apoptosis. The encoded protein localizes to intracellular membranes. This protein promotes apoptosis by interacting with the apoptotic inhibitors BCL-2 and BCL-X(L) via its BH3 domain. Alternate splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2012].