Survivin

By Jamshed Arslan, Pharm D, PhD

By Rachel M.A. Linger, Ph.D.

Survivin is an anti-apoptotic protein which is the smallest protein within a large family of proteins including X-linked IAP, c-IAP1 and 2, IAP-like protein-2, melanoma IAP, NAIP, and Livin. Survivin is responsible for a wide range of basic cellular functions that include the cell cycle regulation, fetal development, cell migration, and tumor progression.

Cytochrome C is a small heme protein within the inner mitochondrial membrane responsible for carrying electrons within the respiratory transport chain.  Additionally, cytochrome c has also been identified as a player in programmed cell death (apoptosis). During the early phases of apoptotic death reactions, cytochrome c translocates from the mitochondria membrane into the cytoplasm and serves to trigger the apoptotic proteolytic cascade by activating caspase 3, through association with protease activating factor-1 (Apaf-1).

PCNA is a nuclear protein essential for DNA replication as well as DNA excision and mismatch repair pathways. It coordinates the recruitment and association of needed components during both of these processes, both of which are essential for cell cycle regulation and cell response to stress.  Through the symmetric association of three identical monomers, PCNA forms a toroidal, ring-shaped structure that encircles DNA. This serves as the scaffold upon which polymerases and other proteins dock and associate.

The survivin anti-apoptotic protein is the smallest member of a large family of proteins such as X-linked IAP, c-IAP1 and 2, IAP-like protein-2, melanoma IAP, Livin, and NAIP. Survivin regulates basic physiological events such as the cell cycle, tumor progression, fetal development, and cell migration.

Livin is a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAP) family that regulates programmed cell death. The Livin protein contains a single baculovirus IAP repeat (BIR) essential for function, along with a COOH-terminal RING-type zinc finger domain. In general, IAP proteins block apoptosis by binding and inhibiting caspases through this BIR domain. Two Livin splicing variants, alpha and beta, have been identified, and each has different anti-apoptotic properties. With Livin expression low in adult tissues, it is somewhat higher in developmental tissues.

Survivin is an anti-apoptotic protein from a large family with related members such as X-linked IAP, cIAP1 and cIAP2, IAP-like protein-2, melanoma IAP, Livin, and NAIP. Survivin regulates fundamental physiological events including the cell cycle, fetal development, and cell migration.

Survivin is involved in promoting cell proliferation and is an inhibitor of apoptosis. Survivin has a critical role in cancer proliferation and neural development. It may have an impact on neural cell proliferative responses following brain injury.

Learn more about Survivin in our infographic below.

Novus Biologicals offers various Survivin reagents for your research needs including: