Targeting Pro-survival Bcl-2 Proteins
With other laboratories in the Division and Structural Biology colleagues, we are exploring how impaired apoptosis contributes to cancer development and impacts on therapy. In particular, to create better anti-cancer therapies, we are collaborating in attempts to develop small molecules that target pro-survival Bcl-2 proteins. Such ‘BH3 mimetics’ have shown considerable promise in pre-clinical studies (van Delft et al, 2006; Adams and Cory, 2007) and one developed by Abbott is in early phase clinical trials, including a trial in Melbourne on chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.