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Possible oncogenic potential of DeltaNp73: a newly identified isoform of human p73

Osamu Ishimoto1, Chikashi Kawahara, Kentaro Enjo

  • 1Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, 4-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.

Cancer Research
|February 7, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Researchers discovered DeltaNp73, a p73 gene isoform that suppresses the tumor-suppressive functions of p53 and p73. This finding suggests DeltaNp73 may play a role in oncogenesis by inhibiting these critical tumor suppressors.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The p73 gene is homologous to p53 and plays a role in inducing apoptosis and transactivating p53 target genes.
  • Understanding p73 isoforms is crucial for comprehending its role in cellular processes and disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize novel isoforms of the human p73 gene.
  • To investigate the functional impact of these isoforms on p53 and p73 activity.
  • To explore the potential role of p73 isoforms in oncogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Identification of NH(2)-terminal truncated p73 isoform (DeltaNp73).
  • Analysis of DeltaNp73's effect on p53- and p73-dependent transactivation.
  • Assessment of DeltaNp73's impact on colony formation in cancer cell lines.
  • Identification of a new COOH-terminal truncated p73 isoform (TAp73eta).

Main Results:

  • DeltaNp73 was identified as an isoform capable of suppressing p53 and p73 transactivation.
  • Suppression mechanisms likely involve competition for DNA binding (p53) and direct association (TAp73).
  • DeltaNp73 inhibited the tumor-suppressive activities of p53 and TAp73 in colony formation assays.
  • TAp73eta, a new COOH-terminal truncated isoform, was identified.
  • Tissue-specific expression patterns of various p73 isoforms were reported.

Conclusions:

  • DeltaNp73 acts as a functional antagonist to both p53 and TAp73.
  • DeltaNp73 may contribute to oncogenesis by inhibiting tumor suppressor functions.
  • The discovery of new p73 isoforms, including TAp73eta, expands our understanding of p73's complex role.

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