The Bcl-2 family of proteins plays a crucial role in regulating apoptosis, or programmed cell death, and cellular survival. These proteins can be broadly classified into pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic members. Bcl-2 proteins primarily promote cell survival by inhibiting apoptosis. They achieve this by directly interacting with and antagonizing pro-apoptotic proteins, like Bax and Bak, which are key effectors of apoptosis.