XIAP

XIAP (X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the XIAP gene. It is a member of the IAP family of proteins, which play a fundamental role in apoptosis (programmed cell death). XIAP is the most potent human IAP protein currently known to inhibit apoptosis.

Function

XIAP functions by binding to and inhibiting caspases, a family of enzymes that play an essential role in apoptosis. Specifically, XIAP prevents the activation of caspase-9 by binding to it and blocking its interaction with other caspases. This inhibition of caspase-9 in turn prevents the activation of caspase-3 and caspase-7, which are responsible for executing the apoptotic process.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the XIAP gene have been associated with X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP), a rare condition that affects the immune system and can cause severe immune dysregulation. In addition, overexpression of XIAP has been observed in several types of cancer, including prostate cancer, breast cancer, and leukemia. This overexpression can contribute to cancer cell survival and resistance to treatment.

See also

• Apoptosis
• Caspase
• X-linked lymphoproliferative disease
• Prostate cancer
• Breast cancer
• Leukemia

References

XIAP Resources
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