Cited by 530Cell death mechanisms and regulationCancer-related Molecular PathwaysChronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Research

The BCL-2 arbiters of apoptosis and their growing role as cancer targets

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Adams, Jerry M, Cory, Suzanne·2018·Cell Death & Differentiation

Abstract

Impaired apoptosis plays a central role in cancer development and limits the efficacy of conventional cytotoxic therapies. Deepening understanding of how opposing factions of the BCL-2 protein family switch on apoptosis and of their structures has driven development of a new class of cancer drugs that targets various pro-survival members by mimicking their natural inhibitors, the BH3-only proteins. These 'BH3 mimetic' drugs seem destined to become powerful new weapons in the arsenal against cancer. Successful clinical trials of venetoclax/ABT-199, a specific inhibitor of BCL-2, have led to its approval for a refractory form of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and to scores of on-going trials for other malignancies. Furthermore, encouraging preclinical studies of BH3 mimetics that target other BCL-2 pro-survival members, particularly MCL-1, offer promise for cancers resistant to venetoclax. This review sketches the impact of the BCL-2 family on cancer development and therapy, describes how interactions of family members trigger apoptosis and discusses the potential of BH3 mimetic drugs to advance cancer therapy.

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  1. Green DR. MOMP, from cytochrome c and Smac to unified theory of Bcl-2 function to BAX/BAK activation to BOK. Cell Death Differ 2018 25: 46–55. 29053143 PMC5729535

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Authors
Adams, J. M., & Cory, S.
Affiliations
The University of Melbourne (AU)
Corresponding author
  • Adams, Jerry M
  • Cory, Suzanne
Venue
Cell Death & Differentiation
Published
2017-11-03
Volume
25
Issue
1
Pages
27-36
ISSN
  • 1350-9047 (ISSN-L)
  • 1476-5403
OpenAlex
W2766023905
Cited by
530
References
132
Citations by year
2026: 31 · 2025: 44 · 2024: 44 · 2023: 46 · 2022: 69 · 2021: 70 · 2020: 102 · 2019: 77 · 2018: 42 · 2017: 2
FWCI
5.70
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Cell Death and Differentiation (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Minerva Access (University of Melbourne) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Funders
  • Victorian Cancer Agency
  • Australian Cancer Research Foundation
  • Medical Research Council (1016701, 461221)
  • National Health and Medical Research Council (461221, 1016647, 1016701, 1079560, 9000220, 1041797)
  • Cancer Council Victoria (461221)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Cell death mechanisms and regulation
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Oncology › Cancer-related Molecular Pathways
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Genetics › Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Research
Keywords
Bcl-2 family proteins, apoptosis, BH3 mimetics, venetoclax, Mcl-1, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, cancer therapy, BCL-2 inhibitor, BH3-only proteins, drug resistance
MeSH terms
Animals, Antineoplastic Agents, Humans, Neoplasms, Sulfonamides, Apoptosis, Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic, Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2, Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins, Mitochondrial Membranes

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