Intracellular pro-apoptotic substrates in tumor cells

The term "Intracellular pro-apoptotic substrates in tumor cells" refers to a broad and heterogeneous group of proteins that, when activated or cleaved, initiate or execute the process of programmed cell death (apoptosis). This category includes various molecular players such as the BCL-2 family proteins (e.g., BAX, BAK, BID), executioner caspases (e.g., Caspase-3, Caspase-7), and mitochondrial factors like Cytochrome c. In the context of oncology, these substrates are the downstream effectors of many therapeutic strategies, including BH3 mimetics, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy-mediated delivery of Granzyme B. Because this term describes a functional class of molecules rather than a single specific receptor or enzyme, it is considered a descriptive category rather than a distinct pharmacological target. Therapeutic efforts typically focus on specific members of this group to restore apoptotic pathways that are frequently suppressed in cancer cells.

Other names

Pro-apoptotic proteinsApoptotic substratesDeath substrates

Not applicable as this is a broad category of proteins rather than a single therapeutic target.