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BCR-ABL: Protein Structure and Function

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Computer image of BCR-ABL

Topic

  • Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
  • Macromolecules
  • Enzymes & Reactions
  • Genetics
  • Genetic Disease

Resource Type

  • Interactive Media
  • Click & Learn

Level

High School — AP/IBCollege
Used In
1 BioInteractive Playlists
Saved By
20 Users
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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.

Estimated Time

One to two 50-minute class periods, depending on the amount of in-class discussion and which worksheet is used.

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

Date Published 11.11.14
Date Updated 09.03.21

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

Materials

Student Worksheet (PDF) 109 KB

Educator Tips

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1-Minute Tips

BCR-ABL Cancer Protein Structure and Function

Mary Wuerth explains how she uses the BCR-ABL Click & Learn to teach the importance of protein structure in understanding how proteins work, and how scientists use that knowledge to design drugs to fight cancer.
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This Resource Appears in the Following Playlists

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