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Survivin and apoptosis control
1Department of Cancer Biology and Cancer Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA.
Abstract:
Survivin is a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis (TAP) gene family that exhibits differential expression in nearly all human cancers but not in most normal tissues. Recent progress identified a multifunctional survivin pathway positioned at the interface between mitotic progression and apoptosis inhibition, and required to preserve viability of dividing tumor cells (Altieri, 2001; Andersen and Thor, 2002; Jaattela, 1999). The unique properties of survivin have recently found concrete applications for cancer detection, diagnosis, and outcome prediction. In addition, targeting the survivin pathway may offer new therapeutic prospects to lower a general survival threshold in cancer cells. This chapter will focus on the current developments in the field of survivin and its role in apoptosis regulation and mitotic progression. Current perspectives on exploiting the survivin pathway for cancer diagnosis and treatment will be highlighted.
Insights
Survivin, a key protein in cell division and survival, is highly expressed in human cancers but not normal tissues. Targeting this protein offers new avenues for cancer detection and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Survivin is a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis (TAP) gene family.
- It is differentially expressed in most human cancers but not in normal tissues.
- Survivin plays a critical role in regulating mitosis and inhibiting apoptosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current developments in survivin research.
- To highlight survivin's role in apoptosis regulation and mitotic progression.
- To discuss the potential of targeting the survivin pathway for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of survivin research.
- Analysis of survivin's function in cell division and apoptosis.
- Exploration of survivin's clinical applications.
Main Results:
- Survivin is crucial for the viability of dividing tumor cells.
- Its unique properties enable applications in cancer detection, diagnosis, and outcome prediction.
- Targeting survivin may reduce cancer cell survival thresholds.
Conclusions:
- Survivin is a promising target for novel cancer therapies.
- Understanding survivin's pathway is key to advancing cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- Further research into survivin holds significant potential for oncology.