title: Disruption of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL by viral proteins as a possible cause of cancer.
abstract: The Bcl proteins play a critical role in apoptosis, as mutations in family members interfere with normal programmed cell death. Such events can cause cell transformation, potentially leading to cancer. Recent discoveries indicate that some viral proteins interfere with Bcl proteins either directly or indirectly; however, these data have not been systematically described. Some viruses encode proteins that reprogramme host cellular signalling pathways controlling cell differentiation, proliferation, genomic integrity, cell death, and immune system recognition. This review analyses and summarises the existing data and discusses how viral proteins interfere with normal pro- and anti-apoptotic functions of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. Particularly, this article focuses on how viral proteins, such as Herpesviruses, HTLV-1, HPV and HCV, block apoptosis and how accumulation of such interference predisposes cancer development. Finally, we discuss possible ways to prevent and treat cancers using a combination of traditional therapies and antiviral preparations that are effective against these viruses.
authors.affiliation: Nazarbayev University Research and Innovation System (NURIS), Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Avenue, Astana, 010000 Kazakhstan ; National Medical Holding, 2 Syganak Street, Astana, 010000 Kazakhstan.
authors.forename: Kenneth
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Alibek
authors.affiliation: Nazarbayev University Research and Innovation System (NURIS), Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Avenue, Astana, 010000 Kazakhstan.
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Irving
authors.affiliation: Nazarbayev University Research and Innovation System (NURIS), Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Avenue, Astana, 010000 Kazakhstan.
authors.forename: Zarina
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Sautbayeva
authors.affiliation: Nazarbayev University Research and Innovation System (NURIS), Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Avenue, Astana, 010000 Kazakhstan.
authors.forename: Ainur
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kakpenova
authors.affiliation: Nazarbayev University Research and Innovation System (NURIS), Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Avenue, Astana, 010000 Kazakhstan.
authors.forename: Aliya
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bekmurzayeva
authors.affiliation: Nazarbayev University Research and Innovation System (NURIS), Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Avenue, Astana, 010000 Kazakhstan.
authors.forename: Yeldar
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Baiken
authors.affiliation: School of Science and Technology, Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Avenue, Astana, 010000 Kazakhstan.
authors.forename: Nurgul
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Imangali
authors.affiliation: School of Science and Technology, Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Avenue, Astana, 010000 Kazakhstan.
authors.forename: Madina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shaimerdenova
authors.affiliation: Nazarbayev University Research and Innovation System (NURIS), Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Avenue, Astana, 010000 Kazakhstan.
authors.forename: Damel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mektepbayeva
authors.affiliation: Nazarbayev University Research and Innovation System (NURIS), Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Avenue, Astana, 010000 Kazakhstan.
authors.forename: Arnat
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Balabiyev
authors.affiliation: Nazarbayev University Research and Innovation System (NURIS), Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Avenue, Astana, 010000 Kazakhstan.
authors.forename: Aizada
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chinybayeva
keywords: Apoptosis; Bcl-2; Bcl-xL; Cancer; Hepatitis C virus; Herpesviruses; Human T-lymphotropic virus 1; Human papillomavirus; Signaling pathways; Tumor suppressor genes