BCR-ABL: Protein Structure and Function

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Description
This tutorial describes the structure and function of the cancer-causing protein BCR-ABL. It also shows how drugs targeting this protein can help treat chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a cancer of the white blood cells.
In CML, white blood cells divide uncontrollably due to an overactive tyrosine kinase protein called BCR-ABL. Scientists developed a drug called Gleevec that binds to and inactivates BCR-ABL. Additional mutations in BCR-ABL can result in Gleevec-resistant forms of cancer.
The accompanying worksheets guide students’ exploration. The “Overview Worksheet” provides an introduction to the cell cycle as it relates to cancer. The “In-Depth Worksheet” provides a more comprehensive review of the cell cycle and the molecules that regulate each phase.
Student Learning Targets
- Describe the function of BCR-ABL and how it differs from that of ABL, its counterpart in non-cancer cells.
- Explain how the structure of BCR-ABL accounts for its function.
- Propose a drug development strategy for treating CML.
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Key Terms
ATP, cancer, dasatinib, Gleevec, health care, imatinib, medicine, mutation, protein conformation, tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)
Terms of Use
Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.
Version History
NGSS (2013)
HS-LS1-1, HS-LS1-2, HS-LS1-4; SEP4, SEP6
AP Biology (2019)
IST-1.E, IST-3.C, IST-3.F, IST-3.G, SYI-1.D; SP1, SP4, SP6
IB Biology (2016)
2.4, 2.5, 2.8, 3.1, 8.2, B.4
Common Core (2010)
ELA.RST.9-12.2, ELA.WHST.9-12.9
Vision and Change (2009)
CC2; DP1
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