Survivin, a protein that inhibits cellular apoptosis, and its modulation

Abstract

The present invention provides the amino acid of a protein that inhibits cellular apoptosis, herein termed the Survivin protein and nucleic acid molecules that encode Survivin. Based on this disclosure, the present invention provides isolated Survivin protein, isolated Survivin encoding nucleic acid molecules, methods of isolating other members of the Survivin family of proteins, methods for identifying agents that block Survivin mediated inhibition of cellular apoptosis, methods of using agents that block Survivin mediated inhibition or Survivin expression to modulate biological and pathological processes, and methods of assaying Survivin activity.

1 . A method of modulating apoptosis in a cell, comprising the step of adminstering to the cell an agent that modulates the amount or activity of Survivin in the cell. 
     
     
         2 - 3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . A method of inhibiting apoptosis in a cell, comprising the step of administering to the cell a Survivin polypeptide, Survivin polypeptide fragment or an apoptosis-inhibiting peptidomimetic thereof in an amount effective to inhibit apoptosis in the cell. 
     
     
         5 . A method of inhibiting apoptosis in a cell, comprising the step of administering to the cell a transgene encoding a Survivin polypeptide or Survivin polypeptide fragment thereof, the transgene being effective to cause expression of the Survivin polypeptide or fragment thereof in an amount effective to inhibit apoptosis in the cell. 
     
     
         6 - 59 . (canceled)