The bcl-2 gene was originally identified by studies of the t(14;18) chromosomal translocation associated with human follicular B-cell lymphoma (1—3).bcl-2 is categorically distinct from classical onco genes in that its overexpression prolongs survival of hematopoietic

The use of biochemical fractionation, immunofluorescence laser-scan ning confocal microscopy, and immunoelectron microscopy with mouse anti-human bcl-2 monoclonal antibody to analyze the subcellular local ization of the bcl-2 gene product revealed the protein prominently in the nuclear envelope, endoplasmic reticulum membrane, and mitochondrial membranes. Electron microscopy at high magnification more precisely localized bcl-2 to the nuclear outer membrane as confirmed by the bio chemical fractionation, as well as to mitochondrial outer and, to a lesser degree, inner membrane. This multisite membrane distribution of bcl-2 suggests an important role for this protein in several different membrane compartments.