Targeting Bcl-X(L) for prevention and therapy of skin cancer

Abstract

Apoptosis plays an important role in skin carcinogenesis. Bcl-X(L), an antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family member, is a key regulator in the process. Aberrant expression of Bcl-X(L) allows cells carrying mutations to survive and propagate. Overexpression of Bcl-X(L) is correlated with tumor malignancy and invasion. Importantly, deregulation of Bcl-X(L) confers drug resistance to chemotherapy. Therefore, targeting Bcl-X(L) in combination with conventional chemotherapy is a promising way to pursue cancer chemotherapy. Several compounds targeting Bcl-X(L) expression or function have shown their potential in chemoprevention and of chemotherapy of cancer.