Bcl-2-related genes in lymphoid neoplasia.

The proto-oncogene BCL-2 was discovered with the cloning of the t(14;18) chromosomal translocation responsible for human follicular lymphoma. Since then other members of the Bcl-2 family of cell death regulators have been identified and their roles in cell death, normal lymphoid development, and lymphoid neoplasia have been characterized. Bcl-2 family members are important in tumor initiation, progression, and response to chemotherapy, and altered expression levels of various members serve as prognostic markers in many lymphoid malignancies. There are promising cancer therapeutics now targeted at members of the Bcl-2 family.