Sorafenib down-regulates c-IAP expression post-transcriptionally in hepatic carcinoma cells to suppress apoptosis

► Sorafenib down-regulates c-IAP1 protein levels in vitro and in vivo. ► Sorafenib does not impact mRNA synthesis or protein stability of c-IAP1. ► Sorafenib suppresses c-IAP1 translation by targeting the IRES. ► Over-expression of c-IAP1 antagonizes sorafenib induced apoptosis in cancer cells.