Proteasome inhibitor
Proteasome inhibitors (INN stem –zomib)[1] are drugs that block the action of proteasomes, cellular complexes that break down proteins. They are being studied in the treatment of cancer; three are approved for use in treating multiple myeloma.
Not to be confused with Protease inhibitor.Mechanism[edit]
Multiple mechanisms are likely to be involved, but proteasome inhibition may prevent degradation of pro-apoptotic factors such as the p53 protein, permitting activation of programmed cell death in neoplastic cells dependent upon suppression of pro-apoptotic pathways. For example, bortezomib causes a rapid and dramatic change in the levels of intracellular peptides.[2]