Proteasome inhibition as a new strategy in cancer therapy and chemoprevention]

The ubiquitin-proteasome system is one of the main pathways involved in degradation of cellular proteins and regulation of most biochemical processes critical for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Among proteins that undergo proteasomal degradation are those involved in signal transduction, metabolism regulation, cell cycle control and apoptosis. Therefore, inhibition of the ubiquitin-proteasome system causes inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis, especially in cancer cells, which makes it a promising strategy of cancer therapy that is already supported by clinical trials. This article summarizes reports of known proteasome inhibitors, differing in chemical structure and mechanism of action, emphasizing their effects on intracellular phenomena related to apoptosis and cell cycle control.