Drug-induced destabilization of bcl-2 mRNA: a new approach for inducing apoptosis in tumor cells.

Recent evidence suggests that the 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) of some mRNAs is a molecular hotspot for pathology. The 3' UTR of bcl-2 mRNA contains several AU-rich elements (AREs) that promote mRNA destabilization. Recent studies have demonstrated that the protein, nucleolin, binds to an ARE in bcl-2 mRNA, thereby protecting this mRNA from nuclease degradation. All-trans retinoic acid, taxol and okadiac acid induce downregulation or inactivation of nucleolin, which destabilizes bcl-2 mRNA and triggers apoptosis. The ARE instability elements in bcl-2 mRNA are potential therapeutic targets for inducing apoptosis and overcoming drug resistance in cancer cells.