Baculoviral IAP repeat-containing protein 3

Baculoviral IAP repeat-containing protein 3 (BIRC3), also known as cIAP2, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the BIRC3 gene. This protein is a member of the Inhibitor of Apoptosis (IAP) family, which plays a critical role in regulating programmed cell death and inflammation. The IAP family members contain one or more Baculovirus IAP Repeat (BIR) domains, which are essential for their anti-apoptotic function.

Function

BIRC3 functions by directly inhibiting the activities of caspases, which are a family of protease enzymes playing essential roles in programmed cell death (apoptosis) and inflammation. By inhibiting caspases, BIRC3 prevents the initiation of apoptosis, thereby promoting cell survival. Additionally, BIRC3 is involved in the regulation of NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) signaling pathways, which are crucial for immune and inflammatory responses, cell growth, and survival.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in the expression or function of BIRC3 have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various cancers, including lymphoma, colorectal cancer, and gastric cancer. Overexpression of BIRC3 can lead to the evasion of apoptosis, allowing cancer cells to survive and proliferate. Furthermore, mutations or deletions in the BIRC3 gene have been associated with increased susceptibility to certain inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Research

Research on BIRC3 is ongoing, with studies focusing on its role in cancer biology and the potential for targeting BIRC3 in cancer therapy. Inhibitors of BIRC3 are being explored as a strategy to induce apoptosis in cancer cells, particularly in tumors that exhibit resistance to conventional therapies due to dysregulation of apoptosis pathways.

See Also

• Apoptosis
• Caspase
• Inhibitor of Apoptosis
• NF-κB