"Bak (and Bax) to the future"--of primary melanoma prognosis?

J Invest Dermatol. 2006 Jun;126(6):1212-4. doi: 10.1038/sj.jid.5700239.

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.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis
  • Humans
  • Melanoma / diagnosis
  • Melanoma / metabolism*
  • Melanoma / therapy
  • Prognosis
  • Skin Diseases / diagnosis
  • Skin Diseases / metabolism*
  • Skin Diseases / therapy
  • bcl-2 Homologous Antagonist-Killer Protein / antagonists & inhibitors
  • bcl-2 Homologous Antagonist-Killer Protein / deficiency*
  • bcl-2 Homologous Antagonist-Killer Protein / genetics
  • bcl-2-Associated X Protein / antagonists & inhibitors
  • bcl-2-Associated X Protein / deficiency*
  • bcl-2-Associated X Protein / genetics

Substances

  • bcl-2 Homologous Antagonist-Killer Protein
  • bcl-2-Associated X Protein