The case for Survivin as mitotic regulator.

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Survivin is implicated in apoptosis inhibition and cell division regulation.
• Controversy exists regarding Survivin's precise functions and its coordination of apoptosis and cell division.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify the distinct functions of Survivin.
• To investigate Survivin's role in apoptosis and cell division.
• To determine if Survivin coordinates apoptosis and cell division.

Main Methods:

• The study reviews recent evidence on Survivin's function.
• Analysis of Survivin's role within the chromosomal passenger complex.
• Examination of Survivin's interaction with Aurora B kinase.

Main Results:

• Survivin acts as a subunit of the chromosomal passenger complex.
• This complex is essential for chromosome segregation and cytokinesis.
• Survivin dictates the localization of the chromosomal passenger complex.
• This function is conserved across evolution.

Conclusions:

• Recent evidence strongly supports Survivin's role as a mitotic regulator.
• Survivin's function as a subunit of the chromosomal passenger complex is critical for cell division.
• While not excluded, Survivin's role as an apoptosis inhibitor is less supported than its role in mitosis.