Cancer cells can evade apoptosis through several mechanisms:
Overexpression of anti-apoptotic proteins: Proteins such as Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL inhibit the apoptotic pathways by preventing the release of apoptotic factors from mitochondria. Downregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins: Proteins like Bax and Bak promote apoptosis. Their downregulation can tilt the balance in favor of cell survival. Mutations in apoptosis-related genes: Mutations in genes such as TP53, which encode the tumor suppressor protein p53, can impair the cell's ability to undergo apoptosis in response to DNA damage. Activation of survival signaling pathways: Pathways such as the PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways can promote cell survival and inhibit apoptosis.
