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Published on: December 4, 2018
Targeting the B-cell lymphoma/leukemia 2 family in cancer
Matthew S Davids1, Anthony Letai
1Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
Abstract:
The B-cell lymphoma/leukemia 2 (BCL-2) family of proteins has attracted the attention of cancer biologists since the cloning of BCL-2 more than 25 years ago. In the intervening decades, the way the BCL-2 family controls commitment to programmed cell death has been greatly elucidated. Several drugs directed at inhibiting BCL-2 and related antiapoptotic proteins have been tested clinically, with some showing considerable promise, particularly in lymphoid malignancies. A better understanding of the BCL-2 family has also provided insight into how conventional chemotherapy selectively kills cancer cells and why some cancers are more chemosensitive than others. Further exploitation of our understanding of the BCL-2 family promises to offer improved predictive biomarkers for oncologists and improved therapies for patients with cancer.
Insights
The B-cell lymphoma/leukemia 2 (BCL-2) protein family regulates programmed cell death. Understanding BCL-2 offers new cancer therapies and biomarkers for improved patient treatment.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The B-cell lymphoma/leukemia 2 (BCL-2) protein family plays a crucial role in regulating apoptosis.
- Over 25 years of research have significantly advanced our understanding of BCL-2's function in programmed cell death.
- Dysregulation of BCL-2 family proteins is implicated in various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of the BCL-2 protein family's role in apoptosis and cancer.
- To highlight the clinical development of drugs targeting BCL-2 and related proteins.
- To discuss the implications of BCL-2 research for cancer therapy and biomarker discovery.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on the BCL-2 protein family.
- Analysis of clinical trial data for BCL-2 inhibitors.
- Synthesis of information on the relationship between BCL-2, chemotherapy, and cancer chemosensitivity.
Main Results:
- The BCL-2 family critically controls cell death pathways.
- Clinical trials show promise for BCL-2 inhibitors, especially in lymphoid malignancies.
- BCL-2 family insights explain chemotherapy efficacy and cancer chemosensitivity variations.
Conclusions:
- Targeting the BCL-2 family offers a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
- Further research into the BCL-2 family can yield improved predictive biomarkers for oncologists.
- Exploiting BCL-2 biology holds potential for developing more effective cancer therapies.
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