MCL1 and cancer: This protein is a key mediator of the oncogenic signaling that is frequently activated in many types of human cancer, where it contributes to tumor cell growth and resistance to apoptosis through the upregulation of genes encoding apoptosis inhibitors (Bcl-xL, Mcl-1, and survivin), cell cycle regulators (cyclin D1 and c-myc), and inducers of angiogenesis (VEGF) [12].