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Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins as intracellular signaling intermediates
Author(s) -
Kocab Andrew J.,
Duckett Colin S.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
the febs journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.981
H-Index - 204
eISSN - 1742-4658
pISSN - 1742-464X
DOI - 10.1111/febs.13554
Subject(s) - microbiology and biotechnology , signal transduction , intracellular , caspase , inhibitor of apoptosis , biology , programmed cell death , apoptosis , cell signaling , transcription factor , biochemistry , gene
Inhibitor of apoptosis ( IAP ) proteins have often been considered inhibitors of cell death due to early reports that described their ability to directly bind and inhibit caspases, the primary factors that implement apoptosis. However, a greater understanding is evolving regarding the vital roles played by IAP s as transduction intermediates in a diverse set of signaling cascades associated with functions ranging from the innate immune response to cell migration to cell‐cycle regulation. In this review, we discuss the functions of IAP s in signaling, focusing primarily on the cellular IAP (c‐ IAP ) proteins. The c‐ IAP s are important components in tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily signaling cascades, which include activation of the NF ‐κB transcription factor family. As these receptors modulate cell proliferation and cell death, the involvement of the c‐ IAP s in these pathways provides an additional means of controlling cellular fate beyond simply inhibiting caspase activity. Additionally, IAP ‐binding proteins, such as Smac and caspases, which have been described as having cell death‐independent roles, may affect c‐ IAP activity in intracellular signaling. Collectively, the multi‐faceted functions and complex regulation of the c‐ IAP s illustrate their importance as intracellular signaling intermediates.