Abstract

Myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl-1) is a member of the Bcl-2 family of proteins with anti-apoptotic activity. It plays a key role in the regulation of the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Moreover, Mcl-1 is correlated with the progression and drug-resistance of various cancers. The development of inhibitors of Mcl-1 may provide effective cancer therapies. While the inhibitors of other Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic proteins have been well explored, the discovery of Mcl-1inhibitors with high selectivity has been challenging. In this review, we summarize the recent literature on small molecule and peptide inhibitors of Mcl-1, which are divided into different types including peptide inhibitors, gossypol derivatives, marinopyrrole derivatives, S1 derivatives, indole derivatives, quinoline derivatives, S63845, AZD5991, AMG176, etc. Their biological activities are also summarized. Mcl-1 is a valid drug target and inhibition of Mcl-1 with a small molecule inhibitor is a promising strategy for cancer therapy.

Keywords: Apoptosis, Antitumor agents, Anti-apoptotic proteins, Bcl-2 family proteins, Myeloid cell leukemia 1 inhibitor.