Transcriptional inhibition of p21WAF1/CIP1 gene (CDKN1) expression by survivin is at least partially p53-dependent: Evidence for survivin acting as a transcription factor or co-factor

► Survivin inhibits the expression of p21 protein, mRNA and promoter activity. ► Survivin neutralizes p53-induced p21 expression and promoter activity. ► Survivin physically interacts with p53 in cancer cells. ► Genetic silencing of endogenous survivin upregulates p21 in p53 wild type cancer cells. ► Both p53 and survivin interacts on the two p53-binding sites in the p21 promoter.