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Targeting Mcl-1 for the therapy of cancer

Bridget A Quinn1, Rupesh Dash, Belal Azab

  • 1Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Richmond, VA, USA. pbfisher@vcu.edu

Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs
|August 20, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Targeting Mcl-1, a protein that helps cancer cells survive, offers a promising strategy for new cancer therapies. Inhibiting Mcl-1 can suppress tumor growth and overcome resistance to existing treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Therapeutics

Background:

  • Human cancers exhibit genetic and epigenetic heterogeneity, utilizing cellular processes for survival and therapeutic resistance.
  • Overexpression of apoptosis-suppressing proteins, like Mcl-1 (Bcl-2 family), is a common cancer survival strategy.
  • Mcl-1 plays a critical role in preventing apoptosis and is frequently overexpressed in various human cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review strategies for targeting Mcl-1 (Myeloid cell leukemia 1) in cancer therapy.
  • To highlight the potential of Mcl-1 targeting agents in suppressing tumor growth and reversing treatment resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Review of genetic and pharmacological approaches targeting Mcl-1.
  • Discussion of Mcl-1's role in apoptosis suppression and cancer progression.
  • Analysis of challenges and combinatorial strategies for Mcl-1 inhibition.

Main Results:

  • Targeting Mcl-1 presents a potentially effective therapeutic avenue for various human cancers.
  • Inhibiting Mcl-1 can suppress cancer growth and enhance sensitivity to conventional therapies.
  • Combinatorial approaches involving Mcl-1 inhibition show promise for improved therapeutic outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting Mcl-1 and other anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins faces challenges, including acquired resistance.
  • Combinatorial strategies, involving Mcl-1 inhibition and pathway manipulation, can enhance therapeutic efficacy.
  • Targeting key genetic/epigenetic elements and biochemical pathways offers a rational approach to effective cancer therapy.

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