These findings suggest that YM155 (120) negatively regulates Mcl-1 and survivin through endogenous and exogenous apoptotic pathways and amplifies mitochondrial signaling, thus inhibiting glioma cell resistance to TRAIL-induced apoptosis (TRAIL is a tumor necrosis factor-associated apoptosis-inducing ligand). The gene discussed is BIRC5; the disease is central nervous system cancer.