Bcl-2 modifying factor (Bmf): "a mysterious stranger" in the Bcl-2 family proteins.

Members of the Bcl-2 family are essential regulators of cell fate. Some of them (proapoptotic) promote cell death, while others (antiapoptotic) support cell survival. Bcl-2 modifying factor (Bmf) is an understudied BH3-only protein of this family that is widely expressed in many normal and cancer tissues. Bmf's proapoptotic activity is essential in physiological and pathological processes, including hematopoiesis, gametogenesis, diabetes, tumorigenesis, etc. However, Bmf has remained in the shadow of other BH3-only proteins for many years. This review aims to rectify this injustice and elucidate the multifaceted functions of Bmf, its regulation, and its significance in both normal and pathological contexts.