Survivin as a global target of intrinsic tumor suppression networks

Cell Cycle. 2009 Sep 1;8(17):2708-10. doi: 10.4161/cc.8.17.9457. Epub 2009 Sep 7.

Abstract

Despite the constant exposure to genomic insults that may lead to malignancy, cancer is surprisingly a relatively rare occurrence, and this is largely credited to an elaborate network of endogenous tumor suppression. Many effectors of tumor suppression have been identified, and their functions when activated in damaged cells have in large part been elucidated. What is less clear is whether there are common target gene(s) of tumor suppression, whose expression must be ablated in order to block transformation and preserve cellular homeostasis. Fresh experimental evidence suggests that silencing of the mitotic regulator and cell death inhibitor, survivin, is a universal requirement for successful tumor suppression in humans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Gene Silencing
  • Humans
  • Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / metabolism*
  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase / metabolism
  • Survivin
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • BIRC5 protein, human
  • Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins
  • Survivin
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase
  • PTEN protein, human