Xiap’s profile in human cancer

Abstract

XIAP, the X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein, regulates cell death signaling pathways through binding and inhibiting caspases. Mounting experimental research associated with XIAP has shown it to be a master regulator of cell death not only in apoptosis, but also in autophagy and necroptosis. As a vital decider on cell survival, XIAP is involved in the regulation of cancer initiation, promotion and progression. XIAP up‐regulation occurs in many human diseases, resulting in a series of undesired effects such as raising the cellular tolerance to genetic lesions, inflammation and cytotoxicity. Hence, anti‐tumor drugs targeting XIAP have become an important focus for cancer therapy research. RNA–XIAP interaction is a focus, which has enriched the general profile of XIAP regulation in human cancer. In this review, the basic functions of XIAP, its regulatory role in cancer, anti‐XIAP drugs and recent findings about RNA–XIAP interactions are discussed.