This gene encodes an apoptosis inhibitory protein whose expression prevents apoptosis after growth factor deprivation. This protein suppresses the transcription factor E2F1-induced apoptosis and also interacts with, and negatively regulates acinus, a nuclear factor involved in apoptotic DNA fragmentation. Its depletion enhances the cytotoxic action of chemotherapeutic drugs. Crystal structure of API5 exhibited the function for protein-protein interaction.
^"Human PubMed Reference:". National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
^"Mouse PubMed Reference:". National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
^Tewari M, Yu M, Ross B, Dean C, Giordano A, Rubin R (Oct 1997). "AAC-11, a novel cDNA that inhibits apoptosis after growth factor withdrawal". Cancer Res. 57 (18): 4063–9. PMID9307294.