Targeting MCL-1 in cancer: current status and perspectives

Abstract Myeloid leukemia 1 (MCL-1) is an antiapoptotic protein of the BCL-2 family that prevents apoptosis by binding to the pro-apoptotic BCL-2 proteins. Overexpression of MCL-1 is frequently observed in many tumor types and is closely associated with tumorigenesis, poor prognosis and drug resista...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Haolan Wang, Ming Guo, Hudie Wei, Yongheng Chen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2021-04-01
Series:Journal of Hematology & Oncology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13045-021-01079-1
Description
Summary:Abstract Myeloid leukemia 1 (MCL-1) is an antiapoptotic protein of the BCL-2 family that prevents apoptosis by binding to the pro-apoptotic BCL-2 proteins. Overexpression of MCL-1 is frequently observed in many tumor types and is closely associated with tumorigenesis, poor prognosis and drug resistance. The central role of MCL-1 in regulating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway makes it an attractive target for cancer therapy. Significant progress has been made with regard to MCL-1 inhibitors, some of which have entered clinical trials. Here, we discuss the mechanism by which MCL-1 regulates cancer cell apoptosis and review the progress related to MCL-1 small molecule inhibitors and their role in cancer therapy.
ISSN:1756-8722