Dysregulation of the intrinsic pathway is implicated in numerous diseases. In cancer, for example, the overexpression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins can lead to resistance to apoptosis, allowing cancer cells to survive and proliferate. Conversely, excessive activation of the intrinsic pathway can contribute to neurodegenerative diseases, where an increased rate of apoptosis leads to the loss of neurons. Understanding the molecular details of this pathway can aid in the development of targeted therapies that either promote or inhibit apoptosis in disease contexts.
