Human Livin/BIRC7, C-His Tag Protein (HA211325)

BIRC7, also known as Livin, is a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family. It plays a dual role as an apoptotic regulator, capable of exerting both proapoptotic and anti-apoptotic activities. Livin is crucial for controlling apoptosis, cell proliferation, and cell cycle regulation. Its anti-apoptotic function is primarily mediated through the inhibition of caspases, including CASP3, CASP7, and CASP9, as well as through its E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase activity. Livin promotes cell survival by ubiquitinating and targeting DIABLO/SMAC for degradation, thereby preventing DIABLO/SMAC from disrupting XIAP/BIRC4-caspase interactions. Livin protects cells from apoptosis induced by TNF or chemical agents such as adriamycin, etoposide, and staurosporine. This anti-apoptotic effect is achieved through the activation of MAPK8/JNK1 and possibly MAPK9/JNK2, which depends on TAB1 and MAP3K7/TAK1. In vitro, Livin inhibits CASP3 and the proteolytic activation of pro-CASP9. Structurally, Livin contains a single baculoviral IAP repeat (BIR) domain and a RING domain at the C-terminus. Overexpression of Livin has been observed in various cancers, including lung, colon, and prostate cancers, making it a potential therapeutic target.