Molecular Biology Flashcards
What is bortezomib’s mechanism of action?
Inhibits proteasomes, enzyme complexes which regulate protein homeostasis within the cell. Specifically, it reversibly inhibits chymotrypsin-like activity at the 26S proteasome, leading to activation of signaling cascades, cell-cycle arrest, and apoptosis.
How does azacitidine work?
Promotes hypomethylation of DNA, restoring normal gene differentiation and proliferation. Also exerts direct toxicity to abnormal hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow.
How does p53 work?
It can delay cell cycle progression, permitting an opportunity for DNA repair or initiation of programmed cell death (apoptosis). In the absence of the normal activated p53 protein, cells containing damaged DNA can survive and proliferate, which contributes to malignant transformation.
