Tomek, Mary, Akiyama, Toru and Dass, Crispin R (2012) Role of Bcl-2 in tumour cell survival and implications for pharmacotherapy. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 64 (12). pp. 1695-1702. ISSN 0022-3573 (print) 2042-7158 (online)

Abstract

Bcl-2 is a protein that inhibits apoptosis, leading to cell survival. The Bcl-2 family has six different anti-apoptotic proteins, three pro-apoptotic proteins that are similar in structure, and other integrating proteins that function as promotors or inhibitors in the progression of apoptosis. In this discussion paper, we provide an overview of apoptosis, the role of Bcl-2 in normal cellular and molecular processes, and the role of Bcl-2 in tumour cell survival. It focuses primarily on anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, its activation in cancer, the manner in which it regulates the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms of apoptosis, and its broad molecular interactions with other critical proteins in the cell. Certain cancer treatments are reviewed and related directions for the future are presented.

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