title: Bcl-2 family proteins as therapeutic targets.
abstract: The mitochondrion provides the stage for the interplay of molecular interactions that regulate apoptosis via the intrinsic pathway. The release of apoptogenic factors from this compartment constitutes a critical juncture in this apoptotic pathway. Regulation of the integrity of the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) is the task of the Bcl-2 family of proteins. A network of interactions between the various subgroups of the family decides the apoptotic fate of a cell and, as such, an imbalance within this network can lead to a variety of disease states. In particular, over-expression of pro-survival Bcl-2 family proteins is a hallmark of many cancers. Here we discuss recent advances in targeting the Bcl-2 family with both peptides and small molecules.
authors.affiliation: The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. czabotar@wehi.edu.au
authors.forename: Peter E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Czabotar
authors.forename: Guillaume
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lessene
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D008958:Models, Molecular; D015394:Molecular Structure; D010455:Peptides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D054852:Small Molecule Libraries / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D010455:Peptides; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; D054852:Small Molecule Libraries