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The Multiple Roles of the IAP Super-family in cancer

Swati Kumar1, Ciaran Fairmichael1, Daniel B Longley1

  • 1Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom.

Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|June 26, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Inhibitor of Apoptosis proteins (IAPs) regulate cell death and signaling pathways. This review explores their roles in cancer hallmarks and emerging targeted therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Inhibitor of Apoptosis proteins (IAPs) are recognized for their anti-apoptotic functions and caspase inhibition.
  • Emerging evidence highlights IAPs' broader roles in cellular processes beyond apoptosis.
  • IAPs modulate ubiquitin-dependent signaling and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation via E3 ligase activity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of IAPs in cancer.
  • To discuss the involvement of IAPs in the hallmarks of cancer.
  • To summarize the current landscape of therapies targeting IAPs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of IAP functions in cancer.
  • Analysis of IAP involvement in cancer hallmarks.
  • Overview of current therapeutic strategies targeting IAPs.

Main Results:

  • IAPs are implicated in multiple cancer hallmarks, including proliferation, survival, and immune evasion.
  • Dysregulation of IAP pathways contributes to cancer development and progression.
  • Targeting IAPs presents a promising therapeutic avenue in oncology.

Conclusions:

  • IAPs are critical regulators with significant implications in cancer.
  • Therapeutic strategies targeting IAPs are under active investigation.
  • Further research into IAP biology may uncover novel cancer treatments.
Keywords:
Cancer therapyHallmarks of cancerInhibitors of apoptosisMolecular targets

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