BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa protein-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3)

Apoptosis-inducing protein that may overcome BCL2 suppression. May play a role in repartitioning calcium between the two major intracellular calcium stores in association with BCL2.

Involved in mitochondrial quality control through its interaction with SPATA18/MIEAP: in response to mitochondrial damage, participates in mitochondrial protein catabolic process (also named MALM) resulting in the degradation of damaged proteins within mitochondria. The physical interaction of SPATA18/MIEAP, BNIP3 and BNIP3L/NIX in the mitochondrial outer membrane regulates the opening of a pore in the mitochondrial double membrane in order to mediate the translocation of lysosomal proteins in the cytoplasm to the mitochondrial matrix.