Baculoviral inhibitor of apoptosis repeat-containing protein 5 (Survivin (BIRC5))

Baculoviral inhibitor of apoptosis repeat-containing protein 5 Overview

Baculoviral inhibitor of apoptosis repeat-containing protein 5, commonly known as survivin (BIRC5), is a small protein that belongs to the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family. Survivin plays essential roles in regulating the cell cycle—particularly mitosis—as a crucial component of the chromosome passenger complex. It also inhibits apoptosis (programmed cell death) and participates in managing mitochondrial function and autophagy[1][2][5]. Survivin is highly overexpressed in most human cancers, while exhibiting minimal or absent expression in most terminally differentiated normal adult tissues[1][3][5]. Its overexpression in tumors is correlated with resistance to chemotherapy, increased risk of recurrence, and poor prognosis[1][2]. These features, together with its restricted normal tissue distribution, have made survivin a prime target for experimental cancer therapeutics, including small-molecule inhibitors (e.g., YM155), antisense oligonucleotides, siRNA-based approaches, and cancer vaccines targeting survivin-derived epitopes[2][3][4][5][7]. Major challenges include the lack of enzymatic activity or surface localization, which complicates direct inhibition, and potential low-level toxicity in proliferating normal tissues[3][5].

Mechanism of Action

Inhibition of gene transcription (e.g., YM155); Induction of mRNA degradation (ASOs, siRNA); Disruption of protein-protein interactions; Immunotherapeutic targeting via cytotoxic T-cell response

Biological Functions

Safety Considerations

Interacting Drugs

Associated Biomarkers