 This gene contains a BH3 domain and a transmembrane domain, which have been associated with pro-apoptotic function.The dimeric mitochondrial protein encoded by this gene is known to induce apoptosis, even in the presence of BCL2.Change of BNIP3 expression along other members of the Bcl-2 family measured by qPCR captures important characteristics of malignant transformation, and are defined as markers of resistance toward cell death, a key hallmark of cancer.