Abstract
Overexpression of members of the BCL-2 family of pro-survival proteins is commonly associated with unfavourable pathogenesis in cancer. The convergence of cytotoxic stress signals on the extended BCL-2 protein family provides the biological rationale for directly targeting this family to induce apoptotic cell death. Recently, several compounds have been described that inhibit the interaction between BCL-2 family members and their natural ligand, a helical peptide sequence known as the BH3 domain. Here, we review preclinical and clinical data on these compounds, and recommend four criteria that define antagonists of the BCL-2 protein family.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
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Apoptosis / drug effects*
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Cell Death / drug effects*
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Cell Survival / drug effects
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Drug Design
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Humans
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Lymphoma, B-Cell / drug therapy
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Lymphoma, B-Cell / genetics
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Models, Animal
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Models, Molecular
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Neoplasms / drug therapy*
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Neoplasms / genetics
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Neoplasms / pathology
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Protein Conformation
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / antagonists & inhibitors*
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / chemistry
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bcl-2-Associated X Protein / drug effects
Substances
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Antineoplastic Agents
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2
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bcl-2-Associated X Protein