ALK Inhibitor Medication

ALK is a protein that is important while we are in the womb

Illustration of a chromosome with the ALK gene switched on. The chromosome is reading the ALK DNA to create an ALK protein

Everyone has the ALK gene. It has instructions to make the ALK protein. The gene is normally active before birth, allowing the ALK protein to be made.

Illustration showing a cheerful yellow ligand molecule high-fiving a cheerful orange ALK protein, which sends waves towards a fetus inside the womb, representing how the ALK protein is temporarily activated to support nervous and gut development.

The protein is briefly switched on by a molecule called a ligand- like a quick high-five. This temporary activation helps the gut and nervous system develop.

Usually the ALK gene is turned off after we are born

Diagram of a human chromosome showing the process of gene expression regulation via an on/off switch. The switch is connected to a simplified chromosome, with labels indicating an active or inactive state for a gene encoding an alk protein.

People who have ALK+ lung cancer have the ALK gene turned back on by a random mutation

Illustration of a light switch turned on indicating that the ALK gene is turned on. The ALK gene has fused with the EML-4 gene to create ALK fusion proteins

A random DNA mutation can cause the ALK gene to fuse with another gene, most often EML4. This fusion turns the ALK gene back on and produces abnormal ALK-fusion proteins.

ALK fusion proteins cause cancerous cells to grow

Illustration showing a woman with a detailed view of her lungs, highlighting an ALK tumor in the lungs. ALK-fusion proteins send the signal that turn lung cells cancerous

Unlike normal ALK proteins, these fusion proteins do not need a ligand. Instead, they permanently activate each other- more like holding hands than a high-five.

This constant activation sends signals that turn cells cancerous.

ALK inhibitor medications stop the signal from ALK-fusion proteins

Diagram showing lung tumors shrinking because the ALK inhibitor medication turns off signals from ALK-fusion proteins

ALK inhibitors are targeted medications that block these cancer causing signals from the ALK-fusion proteins. By interrupting the signal, they slow cancer growth and in some cases shrink tumors.

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