The article reviews the role of the *bcl-2* gene in regulating programmed cell death (PCD) or apoptosis, a process that is crucial in various physiological and pathological contexts. *Bcl-2*, initially discovered in B-cell malignancies, has been found to be involved in t(14;18) translocations, leading to overexpression of *bcl-2* and its encoded proteins. The gene's function in blocking PCD has been demonstrated through studies in pre-B-cells and postmitotic neurons, where *bcl-2* expression prolonged cell survival without promoting proliferation. Overexpression of *bcl-2* can prevent or reduce cell killing induced by various stimuli, suggesting it defines a new category of oncogenes. The protein's structure includes a hydrophobic tail that anchors it in membranes, and it has homologs in viruses like Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) and African Swine Fever virus. Bcl-2 is found in the nuclear envelope, endoplasmic reticulum, and outer mitochondrial membrane, and its function may involve regulating Ca2+ partitioning and oxidative injury. The article also discusses the potential interactions of Bcl-2 with other proteins, such as R-Ras, and the possibility of combinatorial interactions within the Bcl-2 family.The article reviews the role of the *bcl-2* gene in regulating programmed cell death (PCD) or apoptosis, a process that is crucial in various physiological and pathological contexts. *Bcl-2*, initially discovered in B-cell malignancies, has been found to be involved in t(14;18) translocations, leading to overexpression of *bcl-2* and its encoded proteins. The gene's function in blocking PCD has been demonstrated through studies in pre-B-cells and postmitotic neurons, where *bcl-2* expression prolonged cell survival without promoting proliferation. Overexpression of *bcl-2* can prevent or reduce cell killing induced by various stimuli, suggesting it defines a new category of oncogenes. The protein's structure includes a hydrophobic tail that anchors it in membranes, and it has homologs in viruses like Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) and African Swine Fever virus. Bcl-2 is found in the nuclear envelope, endoplasmic reticulum, and outer mitochondrial membrane, and its function may involve regulating Ca2+ partitioning and oxidative injury. The article also discusses the potential interactions of Bcl-2 with other proteins, such as R-Ras, and the possibility of combinatorial interactions within the Bcl-2 family.