Cell Death Pathways in Lymphoid Malignancies

Luke Fletcher, Edward Nabrinsky, Tingting Liu, Alexey Danilov

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose of Review: This review highlights the importance of the Bcl-2 family members in lymphoma cell survival and discusses the approaches to modulate their function, directly or indirectly, to advance lymphoma therapeutics. Recent Findings: The balance of cell death versus survival is ultimately leveraged at the mitochondria. Mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) is the critical event that governs the release of pro-apoptotic molecules from the intermembrane mitochondrial space. MOMP is achieved through the coordinated actions of pro- and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member proteins. Recognition of functional alterations among the Bcl-2 family member proteins led to identification of tractable targets to combat hematologic malignancies. Summary: A new class of drugs, termed BH3 mimetics, was introduced in the clinic. Venetoclax, a Bcl-2 inhibitor, received regulatory approvals in therapy of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia. Alternative pro-survival Bcl-2 family proteins, in particular Mcl-1, have been successfully targeted in preclinical studies using novel-specific BH3 mimetics. Finally, anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members may be targeted indirectly, via interference with the pro-survival signaling pathways, e.g., phosphoinotiside-3 kinase, B-cell receptor signaling, and NF-κB.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number10
JournalCurrent oncology reports
Volume22
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2020

Keywords

  • Apoptosis
  • Bcl-2
  • Mcl-1
  • Venetoclax

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology

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