BAG3 protein: Role in some neoplastic cell types and identification as a candidate target for therapy

Abstract

Neoplasia pathogenesis and resistance to therapy are largely determined by acquired resistance to apoptosis. Among apoptosis-regulating molecules, a role is emerging for BAG3, a member of the BAG co-chaperone protein family. Through its bag, WW and prolix-rich domains, BAG3 protein can interact with a variety of molecular partners, including Hsc70/Hsp70, phospholipase C-gamma and others. It has been recently shown that, in human primary lymphoid and myeloblastic leukemias, thyroid carcinoma and other human tumours, BAG3 expression sustainscell survival and impairs cell response to therapy. Here we summarize findings that assign to BAG3 an anti-apoptotic role in some neoplastic cell types, in addition to other biological activities, and identify the protein as a candidate target of therapy.