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Published on: August 25, 2023
Targeting survivin for therapeutic discovery: past, present, and future promises
Robert C Peery1, Jing-Yuan Liu2, Jian-Ting Zhang3
1Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
Abstract:
Survivin, the smallest member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family, is overexpressed in cells of almost all cancers but not in most normal tissues in adults. Survivin expression is required for cancer cell survival and knocking down its expression or inhibiting its function using molecular approaches results in spontaneous apoptosis. Thus, survivin is an attractive and perhaps ideal target for cancer drug discovery. However, a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug targeting survivin has yet to emerge. In this Foundation Review, we examine and evaluate various strategies that have been used to target survivin and the stages of each survivin inhibitor to help understand this lack of success. We also provide future perspectives moving forward in targeting survivin for drug discovery.
Insights
Survivin, a protein crucial for cancer cell survival, is an ideal drug target. Despite its overexpression in cancers, no FDA-approved drugs targeting survivin exist, prompting a review of strategies and future perspectives.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Survivin, a key inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP), is overexpressed in most adult cancers but not normal tissues.
- Survivin is essential for cancer cell survival; its inhibition triggers apoptosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate strategies for targeting survivin in cancer drug discovery.
- To understand the reasons behind the lack of FDA-approved survivin-targeting drugs.
Main Methods:
- Review of various molecular approaches and drug development stages for survivin inhibitors.
- Analysis of the efficacy and challenges of current survivin-targeting strategies.
Main Results:
- Survivin is a promising cancer therapeutic target due to its cancer-specific overexpression and essential role in cell survival.
- Despite extensive research, no survivin-targeting drugs have received FDA approval.
Conclusions:
- Further research and novel strategies are needed to overcome challenges in developing effective survivin inhibitors.
- Future perspectives focus on advancing survivin-targeted cancer therapies.
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