The case for Survivin as mitotic regulator

Susanne MA Lens, Gerben Vader, René H. Medema

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

163 Citations (Scopus)

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)616-622
Number of pages7
JournalCurrent opinion in cell biology
Volume18
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2006
Externally publishedYes

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