The function of BCL2 (BCL2 apoptosis regulator, ENSG00000171791) is as follows. Suppresses apoptosis in a variety of cell systems including factor-dependent lymphohematopoietic and neural cells (PubMed:1508712, PubMed:8183370). Regulates cell death by controlling the mitochondrial membrane permeability (PubMed:11368354). Appears to function in a feedback loop system with caspases (PubMed:11368354). Inhibits caspase activity either by preventing the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria and/or by binding to the apoptosis-activating factor (APAF-1) (PubMed:11368354). Also acts as an inhibitor of autophagy: interacts with BECN1 and AMBRA1 during non-starvation conditions and inhibits their autophagy function (PubMed:18570871, PubMed:20889974, PubMed:21358617). May attenuate inflammation by impairing NLRP1- inflammasome activation, hence CASP1 activation and IL1B release (PubMed:17418785). {ECO:0000269|PubMed:1508712, ECO:0000269|PubMed:17418785, ECO:0000269|PubMed:18570871, ECO:0000269|PubMed:20889974, ECO:0000269|PubMed:21358617, ECO:0000269|PubMed:8183370, ECO:0000303|PubMed:11368354}.