Tumor Control by Manipulation of the Human Anti-Apoptotic Survivin Gene

Survivin is a relatively unique member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family. It contains a single baculovirus IAP repeat (BIR) domain. It is involved in the control of cell cycle and inhibition of apoptosis. Survivin is of interest because it is specifically up-regulated in cancer cells and completely down-regulated and undetectable in normal adult tissues. Thus, survivin has proved to be a promising therapeutic target for normal anti-cancer therapy. Survivin protects the fast dividing tumor cells against default apoptosis to facilitate aberrant mitosis. Down-regulation of survivin with multiple approaches, suppress tumor progression and induce apoptosis on its own or in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.