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BCR-ABL: Protein Structure and Function

Launch Interactive
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
Favorited By
10 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.
Details
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 03.07.16
Curriculum Connections
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

Hear how educators are using BioInteractive content in their teaching.
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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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