What Role Does the Intrinsic Pathway Play in Cancer?
The intrinsic pathway is tightly regulated, and its dysregulation is a hallmark of cancer. Cancer cells often acquire mutations that allow them to evade apoptosis, contributing to uncontrolled cell proliferation. Key regulators of the intrinsic pathway, such as the Bcl-2 family proteins, are frequently altered in cancer. Overexpression of anti-apoptotic members like Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL can inhibit mitochondrial permeabilization, thereby preventing apoptosis and promoting cell survival.
