The case for survivin as a regulator of microtubule dynamics and cell-death decisions

Curr Opin Cell Biol. 2006 Dec;18(6):609-15. doi: 10.1016/j.ceb.2006.08.015. Epub 2006 Aug 24.

Abstract

Survivin has aroused keen interest in disparate areas of basic and translational research. This stems from the complexity of a 'survivin network', which appears to intersect multiple pathways of cell division, resistance to apoptosis, surveillance checkpoints and adaptation to unfavorable environments. Such intricacy has also engendered different models for survivin function and its implications. As antagonists of survivin are being evaluated in the clinic, a critical reassessment of the pathway, especially with respect to cell division and cell survival, is now a priority. Building a unifying model to reconcile the differing views on survivin will aid in the design and interpretation of molecularly based clinical trials targeting this network in humans.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / genetics*
  • Aurora Kinases
  • Cell Survival / genetics
  • Humans
  • Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins
  • Kinetochores / metabolism
  • Kinetochores / ultrastructure
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / genetics
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / metabolism*
  • Microtubules / metabolism*
  • Mitochondrial Proteins / genetics
  • Mitochondrial Proteins / metabolism
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics
  • Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism*
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / genetics*
  • Spindle Apparatus / genetics
  • Spindle Apparatus / metabolism*
  • Survivin

Substances

  • BIRC5 protein, human
  • Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins
  • Mitochondrial Proteins
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Survivin
  • Aurora Kinases
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases