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Structure, function and regulation of p63 and p73
M Levrero1, V De Laurenzi, A Costanzo
1Fondazione A. Cesalpino - University of Rome 'La Sapienza', Rome, Italy.
Cell Death and Differentiation
|January 19, 2000
Summary
The tumor suppressor gene p53 is not alone; two related genes, p63 and p73, have been discovered. These genes share key structural similarities with p53, expanding our understanding of this critical gene family.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cancer Research
Background:
- The p53 tumor suppressor gene is frequently mutated in human cancers.
- p53 acts as a transcription factor, regulating genes for cell cycle arrest and apoptosis under stress.
- For over 20 years, p53 was considered the sole member of its gene family in vertebrates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current information on the p63 and p73 genes.
- To highlight the structural and functional similarities and differences among p53, p63, and p73.
- To introduce the newly defined p53-gene family.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on p63 and p73.
- Comparative analysis of amino-acid identity across p53 family members.
- Summary of reported data on structure, function, and regulation.
Main Results:
- Two new genes, p63 and p73, encode proteins with significant amino-acid identity to p53.
- These proteins share homology in critical domains: transactivation, DNA binding, and oligomerization.
- Research has rapidly advanced in understanding the structure, function, and regulation of p63 and p73.
Conclusions:
- The p53-gene family comprises at least three members: p53, p63, and p73.
- Understanding the differences within this family is crucial for cancer research.
- The discovery of p63 and p73 necessitates a re-evaluation of the p53 field.