Abstract
Bcl-2 proteins either block or activate the "intrinsic" mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Loss of expression of proapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins, namely Bax and Bak, in primary melanomas is associated with a worse long-term prognosis. Consequently, inactivation of mitochondrial signaling pathways of apoptosis may not only be a prerequisite for melanoma progression but may also hamper therapeutic efforts with chemotherapeutic drugs.
MeSH terms
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Apoptosis
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Humans
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Melanoma / diagnosis
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Melanoma / metabolism*
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Melanoma / therapy
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Prognosis
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Skin Diseases / diagnosis
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Skin Diseases / metabolism*
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Skin Diseases / therapy
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bcl-2 Homologous Antagonist-Killer Protein / antagonists & inhibitors
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bcl-2 Homologous Antagonist-Killer Protein / deficiency*
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bcl-2 Homologous Antagonist-Killer Protein / genetics
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bcl-2-Associated X Protein / antagonists & inhibitors
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bcl-2-Associated X Protein / deficiency*
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bcl-2-Associated X Protein / genetics
Substances
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bcl-2 Homologous Antagonist-Killer Protein
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bcl-2-Associated X Protein