Here, we aim to achieve a detailed understanding of the different biological functions of Survivin in cell stress, including the DNA damage response and cellular senescence. Further, we want to deepen our knowledge on how the protease Taspase1 and its downstream targets contribute to cell fate decisions, and how this might be related to substrate-specific cleavage. As 'innovative tools', we combine our high-end live cell microscopy with cancer-phenotypical and biochemical protein-protein interaction assays, chemicals and nano-based probes to explore and answer these scientific questions.