Resisting apoptosis: a hallmark of cancer
Cancer cells that avoid apoptosis continue to proliferate uncontrollably, which results in an increased tumor mass. Resisting apoptosis is a key process in cancer development and progression (Figure 2.1).1,2
Adapted from Cell, 144, Hanahan D, Weinberg RA, The hallmarks of cancer: the next generation, 666-674, copyright © 2011, with permission from Elsevier.2
Cells resist apoptosis if they have an overexpression of anti-apoptotic proteins, such as Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, or IAP proteins. When these anti-apoptotic proteins are overexpressed, the cell’s ability to resist apoptosis is increased, and the cells will continue to proliferate, regardless of pro-apoptotic cues.2,10
Virtually all cancer cells are prone to resisting apoptosis.11 Understanding the mechanisms of resistance to apoptosis may lead to the development of therapies that can reprogram cell death.2