Silencing survivin gene expression promotes apoptosis of human breast cancer cells through a caspase‐independent pathway

• DOI: 10.1002/jcb.21836
• Publication Date: 2008-06-14T02:25:21Z
• Authors: Diego O. Croci; Ingrid S. Cogno; Natalia B. Rumie ...; Edgardo Salvatierra; Felipe Trajtenberg; Osvaldo L. Podhajcer; Eduardo Osinaga; Gabriel A. Rabino...; Viviana A. Rivarola
• Keywords: Survivin; Inhibitor of apoptosis

Abstract Survivin is recognized as an attractive target in cancer therapy because of its selective overexpression the majority tumors. Upregulated expression this protein correlates with increased tumor grade, recurrence risk and decreased patients survival. In study, we assessed efficacy two survivin‐specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) constructs to inhibit T47D human breast cell growth. After siRNA transfection, cells showed a significant reduction proliferation survival exhibiting clear signs apoptosis. pSil_1 that targeted exon 1 exhibited stronger inhibitory effect on growth, apoptosis compared pSil_30 4. Cell was found be mediated by translocation mitochondrial inducing factor (AIF), while no changes were observed caspase‐3 activation Bid cleavage. Thus, silencing survivin using strategies represents suitable therapeutic approach selectively modulate growth cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 381–390, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.