Interaction of Beclin 1 with survivin regulates sensitivity of human glioma cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis

We reported a novel interaction between Beclin 1, a key regulator of autophagy, and survivin, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein family. We found that knock-down of Beclin 1 down-regulated survivin protein, and the turnover rate of survivin was increased when Beclin 1 expression was silenced. Knock-down of Beclin 1 sensitized glioma cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis, and introduction of survivin antagonized the sensitizing effect, suggesting that down-regulation of survivin mediates the enhanced sensitivity to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. These results demonstrate a novel interaction between Beclin 1 and survivin, and may provide a potential mechanism underlying the cross-talk between autophagy and apoptosis.