Description
The bcl-2 gene, which is found on chromosome 14q32, produces the protein BCL2, which is linked to the regulation of apoptosis. Alpha and beta chains, totaling 239 amino acids, make up BCL2. Instead of being present on the cell surface, BCL2 (and consequently BCL2 alpha chain) is found in the cytosol, nuclear membranes, and mitochondrial membranes. BCL2 (and BCL2 alpha) antibodies react with numerous cells in the T-cell regions and tiny B-lymphocytes in the mantle zone of normal lymphoid tissue. In follicular lymphoma, anti-BCL2 alpha has consistently demonstrated a negative reaction on reactive germinal centers and a positive staining of neoplastic follicles.
