title: X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein as a therapeutic target.
abstract: Dysregulation of apoptosis has been shown to contribute to many diseases, including cancer formation, development and resistance, as well as neurodegenerative and autoimmune disorders. One mechanism through which tumour cells are believed to acquire resistance to apoptosis is by overexpression of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), which belongs to a family of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins. When XIAP is overexpressed, cancer cells are rendered resistant to apoptosis, both intrinsically and in response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Significant progress has been made in targeting XIAP therapeutically, both directly and indirectly through the modulation of other molecules involved in the apoptotic pathway. This review introduces XIAP from its molecular origins, discusses its modulation and potential as a novel drug target, and considers future therapeutic perspectives.
authors.affiliation: Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4BX, UK. emma.dean@christie.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Emma J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Dean
authors.forename: Malcolm
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ranson
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Blackhall
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dive
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D051636:X-Linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D051636:X-Linked Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein