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Updated: May 3, 2026
A Flow Cytometry-Based Cell Surface Protein Binding Assay for Assessing Selectivity and Specificity of an Anticancer Aptamer
Published on: September 13, 2022
Survivin as a preferential target for cancer therapy
Mahsa Mobahat1, Aru Narendran2, Karl Riabowol3
1Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. NW., Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada. mmobahat@ucalgary.ca.
Abstract:
Cancer is typically a consequence of imbalance between cell death and proliferation in a way favorable to cell proliferation and survival. Most conventional cancer therapies are based on targeting rapidly growing cancerous cells to block growth or enhance cell death, thereby, restoring the balance between these processes. In many instances, malignancies that develop resistance to current treatment modalities, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy often present the greatest challenge in subsequent management of the patient. Studies have shown that under normal circumstances, cells utilize different death mechanisms, such as apoptosis (programmed cell death), autophagy, mitotic catastrophe, and necrosis to maintain homeostasis and physiological integrity of the organism, but these processes often appear to be altered in cancer. Thus, in recent years developing various strategies for administration of cytotoxic chemotherapeutics in combination with apoptosis-sensitizing reagents is receiving more emphasis. Here, we review the properties of the anti-apoptotic protein, survivin, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family and the clinical feasibility and anti-cancer potential of drugs targeting this protein. We also discuss some key points and concerns that should be taken into consideration while developing drugs that target apoptotic proteins, such as survivin.
Insights
Targeting survivin, an anti-apoptotic protein, offers a promising strategy to overcome cancer treatment resistance. This review explores survivin-targeting drugs and their clinical potential for enhancing cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cancer arises from an imbalance between cell death and proliferation, favoring cell survival.
- Conventional therapies often fail due to cancer's resistance to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy.
- Altered cell death pathways, including apoptosis, are hallmarks of cancer, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the properties of survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP).
- To evaluate the clinical feasibility and anti-cancer potential of drugs targeting survivin.
- To discuss considerations for developing drugs targeting apoptotic proteins like survivin.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of survivin's role in cancer.
- Analysis of existing and potential therapeutic strategies targeting survivin.
- Discussion of clinical challenges and future directions in survivin-targeted therapy.
Main Results:
- Survivin is a key anti-apoptotic protein implicated in cancer progression and treatment resistance.
- Drugs targeting survivin demonstrate potential for sensitizing cancer cells to conventional therapies.
- Targeting survivin presents a viable strategy to overcome drug resistance in malignancies.
Conclusions:
- Survivin-targeting agents hold significant promise for improving cancer treatment outcomes.
- Further research and clinical development are crucial for realizing the full potential of survivin-targeted therapies.
- Careful consideration of drug development aspects is essential for successful clinical translation.
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