Inhibitors of Apoptosis Protein Family (IAP)

The Inhibitors of Apoptosis Proteins (IAPs) are a family of structurally and functionally related proteins that play a central role in regulating programmed cell death (apoptosis). They primarily act as negative regulators, suppressing apoptosis by inhibiting caspase activity and modulating survival signaling pathways. IAPs are characterized by the presence of at least one Baculovirus IAP Repeat (BIR) domain, which is essential for their anti-apoptotic function. Overexpression or dysregulation of IAP proteins has been implicated in cancer development due to enhanced tumor cell survival and resistance to chemotherapy. Targeting these proteins with "Smac mimetics" has shown promise for re-sensitizing cancer cells to apoptosis-inducing therapies.

Other names

BIRC1BIRC2BIRC3BIRC4BIRC5BIRC6BIRC7BIRC8NAIPcIAP1cIAP2XIAPSurvivinApollon/BruceLivin/ML-IAPILP2/IAP-like protein 2

Smac mimetics bind the same sites as endogenous antagonists like Smac/DIABLO, promoting degradation or functional neutralization of key IAP family members.