[Tumor suppressor gene p53 and molecular targeting therapy]

p53 is a molecule which is activated upon a DNA stress, such as gamma irradiation, UV, hypoxia, virus infection, and DNA damage, leading protection of cells by inducing target genes. The molecules activated by p53 induce apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and DNA repair to conserve genome. In order to kill cancer cells, many strategies targeting p53 have been reported. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that overexpression of wt-p53 by adenovirus vector is capable of inducing apoptosis in cancers. Furthermore, restoration of mt-p53 into wild type by compound has been under development. In this review, clinical application of molecular targeting therapy for p53 is discussed.