The survivin protein functions to inhibit caspase activation, thereby leading to negative regulation of apoptosis or programmed cell death.

[6] This has been shown by disruption of survivin induction pathways leading to increase in apoptosis and decrease in tumour growth.

The survivin protein is expressed highly in most human tumours and fetal tissue, but is completely absent in terminally differentiated cells.

[9][10] Survivin plays important roles in regulating mitosis, inhibiting apoptosis, and promoting angiogenesis.

[7] Its overexpression in tumors correlates with increased drug resistance, reduced apoptosis, and poor patient prognosis.