BIRC5 (baculoviral IAP repeat containing 5)

Abstract

BIRC5, also known as survivin, has been implicated in cell cycle progression and apoptosis avoidance. BIRC5 is highly expressed in embryonic tissues, however very low or absent in adult tissues. BIRC5 overexpression has been frequently associated to cancer development, a poor prognosis and chemoresistance. Besides that, different BIRC5 isoforms has been characterized and related to better or worse chemotherapy responses depending on the isoform and the cancer type. So far, many efforts have been conducted in order to deplete BIRC5 in cancer cells, including gene therapy, pharmacological and nanotechnological approaches. In this review, we will discuss the role of BIRC5 in cancer cell biology and its clinical significance, demonstrating its DNA/RNA and protein aspects, also its relevance for diagnosis and prognosis, and advances as a target for the treatment of different cancer types.