A marker of cell apoptosis

The inhibitors of apoptosis (IAP) family proteins control cell death programs through an intricate protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, including a variety of caspases. IAP family proteins are occasionally amplified in cancers, leading to the evasion of apoptosis. Because of the high molecular heterogeneity of cancers, the IAP PPI network is rewired differently in individual cancer patients. Understanding the latest status of the IAP PPI network in a clinical sample facilitates selection of pharmacodynamic and predictive biomarkers for IAP antagonists.