Role of the Survivin gene in pathophysiology

Generation of a novel transgenic mouse model for bioluminescent monitoring of survivin gene activity in vivo at various pathophysiological processes: survivin expression overlaps with stem cell markers

Survival has been implicated to play an important role in various pathophysiological processes. However, because of a lack of appropriate animal models, the role and dynamic expression of survivin during pathophysiology are not well defined. We generated a human survivin gene promoter-driven luciferase transgenic mouse model (SPlucTg) so that dynamic survivin gene activity can be monitored during various pathophysiological conditions using in vivo imaging. Our results show that, consistent with survivin positivity in testis, luciferase activity in normal SPlucTg mice was detected in the testis of male mice. Furthermore, similar to the known requirement of transient expression of survivin for pathophysiological responses, we observed a transient luciferase expression in castrated SPlucTg male mice after supplement of androgen. Significantly, it was reported that survivin expression turns on during mouse liver injury and regeneration; a transient and dose-dependent luciferase expression in the mouse liver was observed after administration of carbon tetrachloride into SPlucTg mice. We further demonstrated that luciferase activity closely correlates with endogenous survivin expression. We also demonstrated that only a subset of cells expresses survivin, and its expression overlaps with the expression of several stem cell markers tested. Thus, we have generated a unique animal model for analysis of diverse pathophysiological processes and possible stem cell distribution/activity in vivo.

Arsenic trioxide inhibits the growth of human lung cancer cell lines via cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis at both normoxia and hypoxia

Arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)) has been established to be an effective agent for treating acute promyleocytic leukemia. Laboratory data suggest that As(2)O(3) induces apoptosis of several solid tumor cells including lung cancer cells. Regions of tissue hypoxia often arise in aggressive solid tumors, and hypoxic tumors exhibit augmented invasiveness and metastatic ability in several malignancies. Furthermore, hypoxia may impair the treatment efficiency; therefore, we studied the cytotoxic effect of As(2)O(3) on human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines A549 and A549/R (resistant to vincristine, adriamycin and mitomycin etc.) grown under normoxic and hypoxic (1% oxygen) conditions. At both normoxia and hypoxia, 5, 10 and 15 microM As(2)O(3) induced evident growth inhibition and apoptosis in A549 cells as well as A549/R cells after 48 hours of exposure. In contrast, the conventional chemotherapeutic drug vincristine showed lowered efficiency in hypoxic A549 cells. As(2)O(3) induced G(2)/M cell cycle arrest in both normoxic and hypoxic A549 cells. As(2)O(3) significantly decreased the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of Cyclin B(1) and survivin and the protein levels of Cyclin B(1), phospho-CDC(2) (Thr 161) and survivin in both normoxic and hypoxic A549 cells. Together, our findings indicated that As(2)O(3) significantly inhibited the proliferation of lung cancer cells via G(2)/M cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis at both normoxia and hypoxia, and the induction of apoptosis was associated with down regulation of survivin.

Functional analysis of the Autographa californica nucleopolyhedrovirus IAP1 and IAP2

The Autographa californica nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) contains three apoptosis suppressor genes: p35, iap1 and iap2. AcMNPV P35 functions as a pancaspase inhibitor, but the function of IAP1 and IAP2 has not been entirely resolved. In this paper, we analyze the function of IAP1 and IAP2 in detail. AcMNPV with p35-deletion inhibited the apoptosis of BTI-Tn-5B1-4 (Tn-Hi5) cells induced by a Helicoverpa armigera single nucleocapsid NPV (HearNPV) infection and rescued the replication of HearNPV and BV production in these cells. Transient-expression experiments indicated that both IAP1 and IAP2 suppress apoptosis of Tn-Hi5 cells during HearNPV infection. Recombinant HearNPVs expressing AcMNPV iap1, iap2 and p35, respectively, not only prevented apoptosis but also allowed HearNPV to replicate in Tn-Hi5 cells. However, the iap1, iap2 and p35 genes when expressed in HearNPV were unable to rescue BV production. These results indicate that both AcMNPV iap1 and iap2 function independently as apoptosis inhibitors of and are potential host range factors.

Detection of survivin mRNA in healthy oral mucosa, oral leucoplakia and oral cancer

BACKGROUND

Survivin is involved in modulation of cell death and cell division processes. Survivin expression in normal adult tissues has not been fully understood, although it is markedly lower than in cancer, where it is over-expressed.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate survivin expression in normal, potentially malignant and cancerous oral mucosa.

METHODS

We measured survivin mRNA levels by real-time RT-PCR in specimens of oral mucosa (15 from normal mucosa, 17 from potentially malignant lesions, 17 from neoplasms). Scores were compared using Kruskal-Wallis test and post hoc according to Conover. Chi-squared test was used for dichotomous data.

RESULTS

The median relative levels of survivin mRNA resulted six for normal mucosa, eight for potentially malignant lesions, 13 for cancers: differences among these three groups were statistically significant, as between cancer and potentially malignant lesions. Expression in normal mucosa and potentially lesions group showed no significant difference. Low, but not marginal expression of survivin in normal mucosa is a new finding, and it could be explained with the higher sensibility of our methods.

CONCLUSIONS

Survivin expression in oral potentially malignant lesions might indicate a progressive deregulation of expression paralleling oncogenesis, particularly during the first stages of process, suggesting a putative predictive role for survivin.

Pertinence of apoptosis markers for the improvement of in vitro fertilization (IVF)

In assisted reproductive technology (ART), the pregnancy and birth rates following in vitro fertilization (IVF) attempts are still low. Recently, apoptotic markers have been suggested as new criteria for oocyte and embryo quality selection. Many studies have provided evidence that poor oocyte and embryo quality can be associated with apoptosis. The aim of this review is to summarize our current knowledge on the apoptotic process in oocytes and embryos, and focus on the possibility for using apoptotic markers as a reliable and predictive marker to select competent oocytes and embryos during IVF. Moreover, it is currently accepted that IVF failures, linked to poor embryo quality, are, in part, associated with suboptimal in vitro culture conditions. Here, we also review the current state of knowledge concerning how the genetic control of apoptosis during folliculogenesis and pre-implantation embryonic development is affected by in vitro culture conditions during IVF. In the future, identification of apoptotic markers in ART for oocyte and embryo selection should result in the development of new agonistic or antagonistic molecules of apoptosis by medicinal chemistry.

Molecular mechanisms involved in farnesol-induced apoptosis

The isoprenoid alcohol farnesol is an effective inducer of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in a variety of carcinoma cell types. In addition, farnesol has been reported to inhibit tumorigenesis in several animal models suggesting that it functions as a chemopreventative and anti-tumor agent in vivo. A number of different biochemical and cellular processes have been implicated in the growth-inhibitory and apoptosis-inducing effects of farnesol. These include regulation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase and CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase alpha (CCTalpha), rate-limiting enzymes in the mevalonate pathway and phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis, respectively, and the generation of reactive oxygen species. In some cell types the action of farnesol is mediated through nuclear receptors, including activation of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). Recent studies have revealed that induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the subsequent activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) play a critical role in the induction of apoptosis by farnesol in lung carcinoma cells. This induction was found to be dependent on the activation of the MEK1/2-ERK1/2 pathway. In addition, farnesol induces activation of the NF-kappaB signaling pathway and a number of NF-kappaB target genes. Optimal activation of NF-kappaB was reported to depend on the phosphorylation of p65/RelA by the MEK1/2-MSK1 signaling pathway. In a number of cells farnesol-induced apoptosis was found to be linked to activation of the apoptosome. This review provides an overview of the biochemical and cellular processes regulated by farnesol in relationship to its growth-inhibitory, apoptosis-promoting, and anti-tumor effects.

Aberrant survivin expression in endometrial hyperplasia: another mechanism of progestin resistance

Up to 30% of failure rate in endometrial hyperplasia patients treated by progestin urges more detailed understanding of the mechanisms involved in progestin resistance. Survivin is a key regulator in the antiapoptotic network, and overexpression of survivin has been reported in endometrial hyperplasia and cancer. This study investigated the role of survivin in progestin resistance in endometrial hyperplasia. Pre- and post-treatment endometrial hyperplasia tissue samples from 23 women were examined for changes in survivin expression related to the administration of progestins. The impact of continuous or intermittent progestin treatment on survivin expression in Ishikawa cells was examined by the western blot. Survivin immunoreactivity was present in epithelial compartment of all pre-progestin-treated endometrial hyperplasia samples with mean nuclear indices 78 and cytoplasmic indices 114. In the 15 progestin responders, an average of 19.5-fold decrease of survivin expression was seen in epithelial nuclei (P<0.001) and 8-fold decrease in epithelial cytoplasm (P<0.001). In the eight non-responders, no significant changes in survivin expression were detected. With in vitro Ishikawa cells, survivin expression was effectively inhibited by either 72-h continuous treatment with 10 muM medroxyprogesterone acetate or 72 h after medroxyprogesterone acetate withdrawal. Our results indicated that dysregulation of survivin expression in hyperplastic endometrium may be part of the molecular mechanisms for progestin resistance. Intermittent, rather than continuous, progestin treatment may be more effective clinically for the treatment of endometrial hyperplasia.

The association between the survivin C-31G polymorphism and gastric cancer risk in a Chinese population

INTRODUCTION

The C-31G polymorphism in the survivin promoter could de-repress the cell-cycle-dependent transcription of the human survivin gene, resulting in overexpression of survivin. This survivin mutation has only been studied on cervical carcinoma. However, no study has ever been conducted to evaluate the effect of the polymorphism on other cancers, including gastric cancer.

METHODS

In this hospital-based, case-control study, we investigated the association between the survivin C-31G polymorphism and risk of gastric cancer in a Chinese population using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) protocols.

RESULTS

No statistically significant association was observed between gastric cancer risk and the variant genotype (GG + GC). However, the variant genotype (GG + GC) was either associated with risk of distal gastric cancer (odds ratios=0.50, 95% confidence interval=0.30-0.83) or with risk of well-differentiated tumor (odds ratios=0.46, 95% confidence interval=0.22-0.97).

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that the survivin C-31G polymorphism may be involved in distal gastric carcinogenesis and tumor differentiation in a Chinese population.

Curcumin induces apoptosis through the mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway in HT-29 cells

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of curcumin on release of cytochrome c and expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, Bad, Bcl-xL, caspase-3, poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), and survivin of HT-29 cells.

METHODS

HT-29 cells were treated with curcumin (0 approximately 80 micromol/L) for 24 h. The release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria and the apoptosis-related proteins Bax, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Bad, caspase-3, PARP, and survivin were determined by Western blot analysis and their mRNA expressions by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

Curcumin significantly induced the growth inhibition and apoptosis of HT-29 cells. A decrease in expressions of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and survivin was observed after exposure to 10 approximately 80 micromol/L curcumin, while the levels of Bax and Bad increased in the curcumin-treated cells. Curcumin also induced the release of cytochrome c, the activation of caspase-3, and the cleavage of PARP in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that curcumin induced the HT-29 cell apoptosis possibly via the mitochondria-mediated pathway.

Induction of apoptosis of human colon cancer cells by siRNA recombinant expression vector targeting survivin gene

This study constructed siRNA recombinant expression vector targeting survivin gene and observe the apoptosis induction effect of it in human colon cancer cells. siRNA recombinant expression vector targeting survivin gene was constructed and transfected into human colon cancer cells. The effect of siRNA recombinant expression vector was detected by RT-PCR, Western blot, MTT reduction assay and flow cytometry. It was confirmed by restriction endonuclease and sequence analysis that siRNA recombinant expression vector targeting survivin gene was constructed successfully. Inhibition rate of survivin siRNA at mRNA and protein levels was 36.33% and 44.65% respectively. Growth of cancer cells was inhibited and the apoptosis rate was (17.24+/-2.13)%. The siRNA recombinant expression vector targeting survivin gene has been constructed successfully. It not only can inhibit the expression of survivin gene, but also can induce apoptosis in human colon cancer cells remarkably.

Antisense RNA of survivin gene inhibits the proliferation of leukemia cells and sensitizes leukemia cell line to taxol-induced apoptosis

The effects of survivin antisense RNA on proliferation of leukemia cell line HL-60 and taxol-induced chemotherapy was explored. A cDNA fragment of survivin obtained by RT-PCR was inserted into a plamid vector named pcDNA3 in the reverse direction. The vector encoding antisense RNA of survivin was confirmed by restriction enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing. The recombinant plasmid was delivered into HL-60 cells by electroporation. Growth curves were plotted based on cell counting. Trypan blue dye exclusion assay and MTT assay were carried out after the cells were incubated with taxol. DNA gel electrophoresis and nuclear staining were performed for cell apoptosis assay. The correct construction of the recombinant plasmid has been identified by restriction enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing. A stable down-regulation has been achieved in HL-60 SVVas cells after G418 selection. Compared to HL-60 cells, the proliferation of HL-60 SVVas cells was significantly inhibited (P<0.05). Cytotoxicity assays indicated that IC(50) of HL-60 SVVas for taxol was relatively lower than controls (P<0.01). Apoptosis assays revealed that taxol-induced apoptosis was detected in HL-60 SVVas cells incubated with 50 ng/ml taxol for 12 h, while in HL-60 cells incubated with 100 ng/ml taxol for 72 h. It was suggested that Survivin antisense RNA could inhibit the proliferation of HL-60 cells and enhance taxol-induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells, which may lay an experimental foundation for further research on gene therapy in leukemia.

New wirings in the survivin networks

A little over 10 years after its discovery in 1997, the small inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) protein, survivin, continues to generate intense interest and keen attention from disparate segments of basic and disease-related research. Part of this interest reflects the intricate biology of this multifunctional protein that intersects fundamental networks of cellular homeostasis. Part is because of the role of survivin as a cancer gene, which touches nearly every aspect of the disease, from onset to outcome. And part is due to the potential value of survivin for novel cancer diagnostics and therapeutics, which have already reached the clinic, and with some promise. Grappling with emerging new signaling circuits in survivin biology, and their implications in cancer, will further our understanding of this nodal protein, and open fresh opportunities for translational oncology research.

Up-regulation of micro-RNA-221 (miRNA-221; chr Xp11.3) and caspase-3 accompanies down-regulation of the survivin-1 homolog BIRC1 (NAIP) in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) represents a class of malignant gliomas which rapidly proliferate, invade and destroy surrounding brain tissues. This study examined micro-RNA (miRNA) speciation and miRNA effects on gene expression in six ATCC glioma and GBM cell lines and in 14 glioma and GBM samples obtained from human brain biopsy. We observed selective up-regulation of miRNA-221 and down-regulation of a miRNA-221 messenger RNA target encoding the survivin-1 homolog BIRC1, a neuronal inhibitor of apoptosis protein (NIAP) and marker for neurodegeneration. The expression of BIRC5 (survivin-1) and caspase-3 were found to be significantly up-regulated, particularly in stage IV GBM. These studies suggest that the abundance and speciation of the BIRC family of neural cell fate regulators are differentially regulated in glioma and GBM, and may contribute to progressive changes in apoptotic signaling and altered neural cell cycling functions.

Transforming growth factor beta induces apoptosis through repressing the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT/survivin pathway in colon cancer cells

FET cells, derived from an early-stage colon carcinoma, are nontumorigenic in athymic mice. Stable transfection of a dominant-negative transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) type II receptor (DNRII) into FET cells that express autocrine TGFbeta shows loss of TGFbeta signaling and increased tumorigenicity in vivo indicating tumor suppressor activity of TGFbeta signaling in this model. The ability of tumorigenic cells to withstand growth factor and nutrient deprivation stress (GFDS) is widely regarded as a key attribute for tumor formation and progression. We hypothesized that increased tumorigenicity of FET/DNRII cells was due to loss of participation of autocrine TGFbeta in a "fail-safe" mechanism to generate cell death in response to this stress. Here, we document that loss of autocrine TGFbeta in FET/DNRII cells resulted in greater endogenous cell survival in response to GFDS due to activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/survivin pathway. Treatment of FET DNRII cells with a PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) inhibited Akt phosphorylation and reduced survivin expression resulting in increased apoptosis in FET/DNRII cells. We also show that exogenous TGFbeta increased apoptosis in FET cells through repression of the PI3K/Akt/survivin pathway during GFDS. These results indicate that the PI3K/Akt/survivin pathway is blocked by TGFbeta signaling and that loss of autocrine TGFbeta leads to increased cell survival during GFDS through the novel linkage of TGFbeta-mediated repression of survivin expression. Inhibition of survivin function by dominant-negative approaches showed that this inhibitor of apoptosis family member is critical to cell survival in the FET/DNRII cells, thus indicating the importance of this target for TGFbeta-mediated apoptosis.

Longitudinal analysis of androgen deprivation of prostate cancer cells identifies pathways to androgen independence

BACKGROUND

Following androgen ablation therapy, the majority of prostate cancer patients develop treatment resistance with a median time of 18-24 months to disease progression.

METHODS

To identify molecular targets that promote prostate cancer cell survival and contribute to androgen independence, we evaluated changes in LNCaP cell gene expression during 12 months of androgen deprivation. At time points reflecting critical growth and phenotypic changes, we performed Affymetrix expression array analysis to examine the effects of androgen deprivation during the acute response, during the period of apparent quiescence, and following the emergence of a highly proliferative, androgen-independent prostate cancer cell phenotype (LNCaP-AI).

RESULTS

We discovered alterations in gene expression for molecules associated with promoting prostate cancer cell growth and survival, and regulating cell cycle progression and apoptosis. Additionally, expression of AR co-regulators, adrenal androgen metabolizing enzymes, and markers of neuroendocrine disease were significantly altered.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings contribute greatly to our understanding of androgen-independent prostate cancer. The value of this longitudinal approach lies in the ability to examine gene expression changes throughout the adaptive response to androgen deprivation; it provides a more dynamic illustration of genes which contribute to disease progression in addition to specific genes which constitute an androgen-independent phenotype.

Endogenous survivin modulates survival and proliferation in UVB-treated human keratinocytes

Survivin is a bi-functional member of inhibitor of apoptosis protein family, as it is able to both inhibit apoptosis and to regulate cell cycle. We investigated the role of survivin in human keratinocytes under normal conditions and during UVB irradiation. Survivin siRNA decreases proliferation and induces apoptosis in human keratinocytes, in a mode consistent with the mitotic catastrophe. Low doses UVB increase survivin expression at earlier times, while high doses down-regulate survivin level. Low doses UVB induce cell cycle arrest in G2/M, while high doses UVB cause apoptosis. Moreover, overexpression of survivin protects keratinocytes from UVB-induced apoptosis, and silencing of survivin renders keratinocytes more susceptible to UVB-induced cell death. Finally, survivin siRNA increases UVB-induced reduction of cell proliferation. Taken together, these results indicate that survivin plays a critical role in epidermal homeostasis in normal conditions and during UVB exposure, with possible implication in skin carcinogenesis.

The tumor gene survivin is highly expressed in adult renal tubular cells: implications for a pathophysiological role in the kidney

The inhibitor of apoptosis protein survivin is of critical importance for regulation of cellular division and survival. Published data point to a restricted function of survivin in embryonic development and cancer; thus survivin has been broadly proposed as an ideal molecular target for specific anti-cancer therapy. In contrast to this paradigm, we report here broad expression of survivin in adult differentiated tissues, as demonstrated at the mRNA and protein levels. Focusing on the kidney, survivin is strongly expressed in proximal tubuli, particularly at the apical membrane, which can be verified in rat, mouse, and human kidneys. In the latter, survivin expression seems to be even stronger in proximal tubuli than in adjacent cancerous tissue. Primary and immortalized human renal tubular cells also showed high levels of survivin protein expression, and RNA interference resulted in a partial G(2)/M arrest of the cell cycle and increased rate of apoptosis. In conclusion, survivin may be of importance for renal pathophysiology and pathology. The predominant apical expression of survivin may indicate a further, yet unknown, function. Interventional strategies to inhibit survivin's function in malignancy need to be carefully (re)evaluated for renal side effects, as well as for other possible organ dysfunctions.

Survivin, cancer networks and pathway-directed drug discovery

Although there is no shortage of potential targets for cancer therapeutics, we know of only a handful of molecules that are differentially expressed in cancer and intersect multiple pathways required for tumour maintenance. Survivin embodies these properties, and orchestrates integrated cellular networks that are essential for tumour cell proliferation and viability. Pursuing the nodal functions of survivin in cancer might lead to the development of global pathway inhibitors with unique therapeutic potential.

Selenium inhibition of survivin expression by preventing Sp1 binding to its promoter

Survivin, an antiapoptotic protein highly expressed in cancer, regulates multiple cellular network associated with cancer cell viability and drug resistance. Inhibition of survivin expression has been pursued as a valid cancer therapeutic target. In this study, we showed that selenium, an effective chemopreventive agent for many types of cancers, down-regulated survivin expression. Selenium inhibited survivin expression in both mRNA and protein levels in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Using a series of survivin promoter-luciferase constructs, a 37-bp DNA element in the survivin core promoter region that mediates the ability of selenium to inhibit survivin transcription was identified. Gel mobility shift assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses revealed that selenium prevents the binding of Sp1 or Sp1-like proteins to the 37-bp cis-acting DNA element in the survivin promoter. Furthermore, inhibition of survivin expression by small interfering RNA enhanced selenium's inhibitory effects on cell growth, whereas overexpression of survivin in LNCaP human prostate cancer cells desensitized cancer cells to selenium effect, suggesting that the expression of survivin plays an important role in determining the response of cancer cells to selenium. Taken together, these results suggest that selenium down-regulated survivin expression by preventing the binding of Sp1 or Sp1-like proteins to the promoter of survivin, which contributes at least in part to the inhibitory effect of selenium on survivin gene transcription. In addition, down-regulation of survivin expression may account for one of the molecular mechanisms of the anticancer effects of selenium.

Oncogenic c-H-ras deregulates survivin expression: An improvement for survival

Survivin protein accomplishes two basic functions: cell cycle regulation and control of apoptosis. It is only expressed in G2/M phase and it influences rescue pathways in apoptosis-induced cells. Overexpression of constitutive active c-H-ras in HeLa, or induction of c-H-ras in a stable HeLaDiR cell line, led to sustained survivin expression in all cell cycle phases and even protected cells from drug induced apoptosis. siRNA-mediated silencing of survivin reversed this protection. Here we link the anti-apoptotic property of survivin to its cell cycle (in)dependent regulation via the activity of oncogenic c-H-ras.

Pathological Survivin Expression Links Viral Infections with Pathogenesis of Erosive Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory joint disease leading to cartilage and bone destruction. Insufficient apoptosis in the inflamed RA synovium along with accumulation of highly differentiated B- and T-lymphocytes as well as invasive growth of macrophages and fibroblasts is among the major mechanisms supporting joint destruction. We have recently shown that circulating survivin, an apoptosis inhibitor tightly bound to tumorigenesis, is an independent predictor of development and progression of joint destruction in RA. In this review we discuss the possible connectivity between viral infection, leading to interferon (IFN)-alpha production, survivin expression, and subsequent joint inflammation. The role of IFN-alpha and the involvement of IFN transcription factors and phosphoinositide-3-kinase signalling as essential modulators of arthritogenic process are discussed in the context of survivin.

Forced expression of survivin-2B abrogates mitotic cells and induces mitochondria-dependent apoptosis by blockade of tubulin polymerization and modulation of Bcl-2, Bax, and survivin

It has been previously shown that both survivin and the survivin splice variant survivin-2B are localized in mitochondria. Whereas the mechanism involved in blockade of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis by survivin has been extensively studied, the role of survivin-2B in regulation of apoptosis has not been well defined. In the present study, we report that in addition to mitochondria, survivin-2B is also localized in the microtubule organization center (MTOC) and, in contrast to other survivin isoforms (i.e. survivin and survivin-DeltaEx3), behaves as a proapoptotic molecule. We show that forced expression of survivin-2B blocks tubulin polymerization, ablates mitotic cells, and induces mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. The mitochondria-mediated apoptosis induced by survivin-2B was indicated by Smac release from mitochondria, activation of caspases 9 and 3, and loss of mitochondrial potential, while caspase-8 remained inactive. Further analysis of the mechanism for the mitochondria-associated events of apoptosis induced by forced expression of survivin-2B revealed down-regulation of the pro-survival factor Bcl-2 and up-regulation of the pro-apoptotic factor Bax in mitochondria, while the apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) remains unchanged. Our studies further showed that taxol (paclitaxel) treatment of cancer cells not only up-regulates survivin but also down-regulates survivin-2B and that forced expression of survivin-2B sensitizes cells to taxol-induced cell growth inhibition and cell death, while silencing of endogenous survivin-2B transcripts by survivin-2B-specific siRNA made cells resistant to taxol treatment. These findings advance our current knowledge about survivin-2B and may help to develop novel approaches for cancer treatment.

IAP Survivin Regulates Atherosclerotic Macrophage Survival

OBJECTIVES

Inflammatory macrophage apoptosis is critical to atherosclerotic plaque formation, but its mechanisms remain enigmatic. We hypothesized that inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) survivin regulates macrophage death in atherosclerosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Western blot analysis revealed discrete survivin expression in human aorta lipid streaks but virtually none in advanced atherosclerotic plaques, despite increased XIAP and cIAP2 levels. Survivin was detected in CD68-positive macrophages infiltrating human lipid streaks by immunohistochemistry. In advanced atherosclerotic plaques, only rare macrophages outside the necrotic core or occasional fibrous cap smooth muscle cells expressed survivin. In vitro, macrophage colony-stimulating factor-stimulated mouse macrophage survivin expression, proliferation and resistance to apoptosis. Conversely, prolonged oxidized low-density lipoprotein treatment abolished macrophage survivin expression and triggered apoptosis after 12 hours, despite enhanced XIAP and cIAP2 expression. Adenoviral overexpression of survivin conferred macrophages with sustained resistance to apoptosis after oxidized low-density lipoprotein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, or staurosporine challenge.

CONCLUSIONS

Survivin is a critical modulator of atherosclerotic macrophage apoptosis under dual control by growth factors and oxidized lipids accumulating in atheroma. In early lipid streaks, growth factor-stimulated survivin expression may contribute to macrophage accumulation and survival, but dysregulation of survivin expression caused by recurrent oxidized low-density lipoprotein exposure may favor apoptosis in advanced atherosclerotic plaques, despite upregulated cIAP2 and XIAP.

Enhancing skin flap survival by a cell-permeable wild-type survivin

Skin grafts, including skin flaps, are widely used in plastic and reconstructive surgery to cover wounds and tissue defects resulting from mechanic or burn injury. Ischemic necrosis is the main complication in skin graft surgery due to inefficient revascularization. Though the surgical delay procedure has been proved to be the only effective technique to prevent skin flap ischemic necrosis by mechanism of inducing adaption to hypoxia, but it is time consuming, costly, and having high risk of infection due to repeated surgery. Recent research demonstrated that, in addition to protecting cells against apoptosis, the expression of survivin correlates with intratumoral microvessel density in several different types of tumors and survivin could upregulate several proangiogenic factors, including VEGF, Egr-1 and Siah-1. Moreover, Survivin DeltaEx3, one of the survivin alternative splice variants, is necessary for activating the small GTPase Rac1 during endothelial tube formation and required for in vivo endothelial cell invasion. Therefore, we postulate that intracellular delivery of survivin or Survivin DeltaEx3 by fusion with protein transduction domain would enhance skin flap survival through accelerating revascularization by both inhibiting the apoptosis of microvascular endothelial cells and promoting skin flap angiogenesis. If the hypothesis was proved to be practical, the fusion proteins would be widely used in plastic and reconstructive surgery to prevent skin flap from ischemic necrosis in the future.

Hypoxic preconditioning protects human brain endothelium from ischemic apoptosis by Akt-dependent survivin activation

Preconditioning-induced ischemic tolerance is well documented in the brain, but cell-specific responses and mechanisms require further elucidation. The aim of this study was to develop an in vitro model of ischemic tolerance in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) and to examine the roles of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase)/Akt and the inhibitor-of- apoptosis protein, survivin, in the ability of hypoxic preconditioning (HP) to protect endothelium from apoptotic cell death. Cultured HBMECs were subjected to HP, followed 16 h later by complete oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) for 8 h; cell viability was quantified at 20 h of reoxygenation (RO) by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. HBMECs were examined at various times after HP or OGD/RO using immunoblotting and confocal laser scanning immunofluorescence microscopy for appearance of apoptotic markers and expression of phosphorylated (p)-Akt and p-survivin. Causal evidence for the participation of the PI3-kinase/Akt pathway in HP-induced protection and p-survivin upregulation was assessed by the PI3-kinase inhibitor LY-294002. HP significantly reduced OGD/RO-induced injury by 50% and also significantly reduced the OGD-induced translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) from mitochondria to nucleus and the concomitant cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1). PI3-kinase inhibition blocked HP-induced increases in Akt phosphorylation, reversed the effects of HP on OGD-induced AIF translocation and PARP-1 cleavage, blocked HP-induced survivin phosphorylation, and ultimately attenuated HP-induced protection of HBMECs from OGD. Thus HP promotes an antiapoptotic phenotype in HBMECs, in part by activating survivin via the PI3-kinase/Akt pathway. Survivin and other phosphorylation products of p-Akt may be therapeutic targets to protect cerebrovascular endothelium from apoptotic injury following cerebral ischemia.

Survivin study: an update of "what is the next wave"?

Studies on survivin over the past 2-3 years have shown that survivin possesses multiple subcellular localizations and is a multifunctional molecule involved in many aspects of cellular processes and/or behaviors. The subcellular localization and function of the survivin splice variants, however, have not yet been well elucidated. We have, therefore, provided additional observations on several survivin splice variants for further exploration. This review article will update the role of survivin, and its splice variants in the mitosis/cell cycle, apoptosis, tumorigenesis, chemoprevention, drug/radiation resistance, and cancer therapeutics.

Transcriptional and post-transcriptional controls of survivin in cancer cells: novel approaches for cancer treatment

Survivin is a novel member of the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) protein family, and its aberrant expression in cancer cells has been shown to be associated with tumorigenesis, cancer progression, radiation/drug resistance and shorter patient survival. Survivin is also expressed in certain human adult tissues and cells, and has been shown to play a role in physiology. Interestingly, targeting survivin for cancer treatment did not show obvious toxicity to normal tissues and cells. This suggests that the mechanism for the regulation and function of survivin may actually be different in cancer cells as compared to normal cells. This review intends to summarize the most important information about the transcriptional and/or post-transcriptional controls of survivin in cancer cells. Further studies along this line may find essential interfaces for the development of novel approaches for cancer therapeutics.