Bcl-2 and Bax proteins are nuclear matrix associated proteins.

Bcl-2 and Bax proteins are implicated in the regulation of apoptosis. Nuclear matrix has been demonstrated to be associated with a vast array of functional and regulatory properties of cells. NuMA is one member of a class of nuclear matrix proteins that resides in both the nucleus and mitotic apparatus. The nuclear lamins appear to form a thin fibrous structure immediately underlying the inner nuclear membrane of eukaryotic cell nuclei. The association of bcl-2 and Bax protein with nuclear matrix in glioblastoma cell line U343 was studied by confocal microscopy and Western blotting. Confocal microscopic images display that bcl-2 was localized at the peripheral of the nuclear matrix and Bax protein was located in the nuclear matrix. Western blotting detected a 26 kDa bcl-2 band and a specific band of Bax at around 66 kDa in nuclear matrix proteins. Our results suggest that bcl-2 and Bax proteins are nuclear matrix associated proteins.