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Promoting apoptosis as a strategy for cancer drug discovery

Stephen W Fesik1

  • 1Cancer Research, Abbott Laboratories, Department R460, Building AP10-LL, 100 Abbott Park Road, Abbott Park, Illinois 60064, USA. stephen.fesik@abbott.com

Nature Reviews. Cancer
|October 22, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Restoring apoptosis pathways can effectively treat cancers. Researchers are exploring apoptosis targets like TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptors and BCL2 proteins for novel cancer drug discovery.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is frequently deregulated in cancer, contributing to tumor growth and resistance to therapy.
  • Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying apoptotic dysregulation is crucial for developing effective cancer treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the therapeutic potential of restoring normal apoptotic pathways in cancer treatment.
  • To identify and discuss key apoptosis targets being investigated for cancer drug discovery.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current scientific literature on apoptosis deregulation in cancer.
  • Identification and categorization of major apoptosis-related protein families and pathways targeted in drug discovery.

Main Results:

  • Apoptosis deregulation is a hallmark of many cancers, impeding tumor elimination.
  • Several apoptosis targets, including TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) receptors, BCL2 family proteins, inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) proteins, and MDM2, are under investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting apoptosis pathways offers a promising strategy for treating cancers dependent on apoptotic defects for survival.
  • Further research into these apoptosis targets could lead to the development of novel and effective anti-cancer therapeutics.

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