Progress in targeting the BCL-2 family of proteins

  • Curr Opin Chem Biol. 2017 Aug;39:133-142. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2017.06.014.
Thomas P Garner  1 ,  Andrea Lopez  1 ,  Denis E Reyna  1 ,  Adam Z Spitz  1 ,  Evripidis Gavathiotis  2
Affiliations
  • 1. Department of Biochemistry, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
  • 2. Department of Biochemistry, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].
PMID: 28735187 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2017.06.014
Abstract

The network of protein-protein interactions among the Bcl-2 protein family plays a critical role in regulating cellular commitment to mitochondrial Apoptosis. Anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins are considered promising targets for drug discovery and exciting clinical progress has stimulated intense investigations in the broader family. Here, we discuss recent developments in small molecules targeting anti-apoptotic proteins and alternative approaches to targeting Bcl-2 Family interactions. These studies advance our understanding of the role of Bcl-2 Family proteins in physiology and disease, providing unique tools for dissecting these functions. The Bcl-2 Family of proteins is a prime example of targeting protein-protein interactions and further chemical biology approaches will increase opportunities for novel targeted therapies in Cancer, autoimmune and aging-associated diseases.

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