API5

API5 (Apoptosis Inhibitor 5), alias Acinus-interacting protein 5, is a conserved anti-apoptotic protein. It blocks caspase-mediated apoptosis by binding to Acinus, a key mediator of DNA fragmentation during cell death. Additionally, it regulates DNA damage repair pathways, supporting cell survival under genotoxic stress.
Overexpression of API5 correlates with lung, breast, and colorectal cancers, linked to aggressive tumor behavior and chemoresistance. It intersects with PI3K/Akt and p53 signaling to enhance proliferation. Preclinical studies are exploring API5 inhibitors that disrupt its anti-apoptotic interactions, aiming to sensitize cancer cells to therapeutic agents.