The inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) are a widely expressed gene family of apoptotic inhibitors. The central mechanisms of IAP apoptotic suppression appear to be through direct caspases and pro-caspase inhibition. Recently, a new human gene encoding a structurally and unique IAP designated Survivin has been identified. Survivin (human 142 aa, ~16.5kD, chromosome 17q25, Mouse TIAP/Survivin 140 aa) contains a single baculovirus IAP repeat and lacks a C-terminal RING finger. An isoform of survivin, Beta-form, that has a 23-aa insertion in the BIR-domain has been reported. Mouse survivin is also shown to be alternatively spliced into 3 forms: Long 140-aa, 121-aa (missing the oiled-coil domain), and 40-aa form (missing the IAP repeat and coiled domain). Survivin140 and 121-aa inhibits caspase-3 activity. Survivin has the property of oncofetal antigens: highly expressed in less-differentiated embryonic cells or rapidly dividing tumor cell but not in fully differentiated adult tissues. Elevated levels of Survivin are found in human fetal lung, liver, heart, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract. In mouse embryonic tissues, Survivin is detected in most tissues. High level of Survivin was found in most common human cancer, including cancers of the lung, colon, pancreas, prostate, and breast. Expression of Survivin also correlated with the presence of both p53 and bcl-2. Applications: Suitable for use in ELISA, Western Blotting. Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilution: Western Blot: 1:1000-1:5000 for neat serum and 1-10ug/ml for affinity pure using ECL. Survivin is ~16kD protein. ELISA: 1:10,000-1:100,000 using 50-100ng of control peptide/well. Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. Control Peptide: S8500-03H Control peptide, because of its low MW (<3kD), is not suitable for Western. It should be used for ELISA or antibody blocking experiments (use 5-10ug control peptide per 1ug of affinity purified IgG or 1ul antiserum) to confirm antibody specificity. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.
