BCR-ABL: Protein Structure and Function

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.