p53: Multiple Facets of a Rubik's Cube
Year: 2016
Type: review
Abstract: The p53 tumor suppressor has been studied for decades, and still there are many questions left unanswered. In this review, we first describe the current understanding of the wild-type p53 functions that determine cell survival or death, and regulation of the protein, with a particular focus on the negative regulators, the murine double minute family of proteins. We also summarize tissue-, stress-, and age-specific p53 activities and the potential underlying mechanisms. Among all p53 gene alterations identified in human cancers, p53 missense mutations predominate, suggesting an inherent biological advantage. Numerous gain-of-function activities of mutant p53 in different model systems and contexts have been identified. The emerging theme is that mutant p53, which retains a potent transcriptional activation domain, also retains the ability to modify gene transcription, albeit indirectly. Lastly, because mutant p53 stability is necessary for its gain of function, we summarize the mechanisms through which mutant p53 is specifically stabilized. A deeper understanding of the multiple pathways that impinge upon wild-type and mutant p53 activities and how these, in turn, regulate cell behavior will help identify vulnerabilities and therapeutic opportunities.
Source: Annual Review of Cancer Biology
Authors: Yun Zhang, Guillermina Lozano
Institution: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Language: English
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2407782917