BCL-2 FAMILY MEMBERS IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND DEGENERATIVE PATHOLOGIES OF THE NERVOUS-SYSTEM

Neuronal death is an essential feature in the normal development of th e nervous system and in neurodegenerative states of the adult or agein g brain. Bcl-2 is the prototype of a growing family of proteins which control cell death. Many of these proteins are expressed in the nervou s system during development and in the adult. Numerous observations ha ve suggested that this family of proteins plays a central role in the control of naturally occurring and pathological neuronal death. In thi s review, I will discuss the possible mechanisms of action of these pr oteins as well as their potential use in treating neurodegenerative di seases.