L-gossypol

Definition / meaning of L-gossypol

The levo-enantiomer of an orally bioavailable polyphenolic aldehyde, derived primarily from unrefined cottonseed oil, with potential antineoplastic activity. Mimicking theinhibitory BH3 (Bcl-2 homology 3) domain of endogenous antagonists of Bcl-2, L-gossypol binds to and inhibits various anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins, which may result in the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation and the induction of tumor cell apoptosis. This agent has greater affinity for Bcl-2 proteins than racemic gossypol.

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Source(s):

The Web site of the National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov/)

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