Expression of Bcl-2 family proteins in recovering and regenerating muscles.

Bcl-2 proteins are known to control, either positively or negatively, the apoptotic process. The main objective of the research group is the study of the role of components of the Bcl-2 family not only in the apoptosis, but also during the skeletal muscle recovery from denervation- induced atrophy following reinnervation. Immunofluorescence and electron microscopy analysis of recovering fibres indicate that components of the Bcl-2 family are expressed within regions characterized by intense anabolism. Therefore, it emerges the possibility that Bcl-2 proteins, known modulators of apoptosis, may also act in other cell processes.