BCL2L1 and neoplasm: Activated STAT3 has been shown to protect tumour cells from apoptosis by regulating genes encoding antiapoptosis-associated proteins, such as Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, and Mcl-1 (Zushi et al, 1998; Catlett-Falcone et al, 1999; Amin et al, 2004).