Apoptosis and the pathogenesis of lymphoma.

The pathogenesis of follicular lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) involves the dysregulation of the bcl-2 protein. This protein is a critical regulator of apoptosis and interferes with the caspase cascade, which is the backbone of the apoptotic machinery. The multiple interactions of caspases with bcl-2 and its related proteins which comprise the bcl-2 family of proteins have become more clear over the past few years and its importance in carcinogenesis is increasingly appreciated. The network of proteins of both the apoptotic pathway and the cell cycle regulators and their interactions and mutual regulations are in the process of being elucidated. It is hoped that this will soon be translated to clinical benefit for patients with lymphomas.