Numerous studies (in particular in lung and breast cancer cells, [41]) have hinted on a role of the Bim/Mcl-1 balance in the control of survival, but very few have shown, as it is the case here, that the mechanism involved relies on Mcl-1 counteracting the ability of Bim to promote cell death, rather than the ability of Bim to erode the cytoprotective effect of Mcl-1. This evidence concerns the gene BCL2L11 and breast carcinoma.