The case for Survivin as mitotic regulator

Curr Opin Cell Biol. 2006 Dec;18(6):616-22. doi: 10.1016/j.ceb.2006.08.016. Epub 2006 Sep 7.

Abstract

Survivin has been proposed to inhibit apoptosis and to regulate cell division. However, controversy still exists as to whether Survivin can indeed execute these distinct functions and if Survivin somehow coordinates apoptosis and (abnormal) cell division. Recent evidence has demonstrated that Survivin acts as a subunit of the chromosomal passenger complex, which is essential for proper chromosome segregation and cytokinesis. Within this complex, the mitotic kinase Aurora B acts as the enzymatic core, whereas Survivin dictates chromosomal passenger complex localization. This function of Survivin appears to be conserved throughout evolution. Although these findings do not exclude a role for Survivin as apoptosis inhibitor, they make a very strong case for Survivin as mitotic regulator.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aurora Kinase B
  • Aurora Kinases
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / genetics
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism*
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / genetics
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone / metabolism
  • Chromosome Segregation / genetics
  • Evolution, Molecular
  • Humans
  • Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins
  • Macromolecular Substances / metabolism
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / genetics
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / metabolism*
  • Mitosis / genetics*
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics
  • Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism*
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism
  • Spindle Apparatus / genetics
  • Spindle Apparatus / metabolism
  • Survivin

Substances

  • BIRC5 protein, human
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone
  • Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Survivin
  • AURKB protein, human
  • Aurora Kinase B
  • Aurora Kinases
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases