Hitting the numbers: the emerging network of p63 targets

M Alessandra Viganò1, Roberto Mantovani

  • 1Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari e Biotecnologie, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy. alessandra.vigano@guest.unimi.it

Insights

The p63 transcription factor regulates stratified epithelial cell division and gene expression. Recent studies identify its targets, revealing control over differentiation, cell cycle, and signaling pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • p63 is a crucial transcription factor in stratified epithelia.
  • It plays a master role in asymmetric cell division.
  • p63 regulates gene expression through activation and repression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the pathways and networks controlled by p63.
  • To identify bona fide gene targets of p63.
  • To understand the role of p63 in cellular processes.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing profiling arrays.
  • Employing ChIP on chip experiments.
  • Analyzing gene expression data.

Main Results:

  • Emerging understanding of p63-controlled pathways and networks.
  • Identification of several independent and interconnected pathways regulated by p63.
  • p63 targets include genes involved in differentiation, cell cycle control, signaling, and transcription.

Conclusions:

  • p63 controls a wide range of genes essential for epithelial development.
  • Its targets highlight roles in differentiation and cell fate determination.
  • Further research into p63 networks will illuminate epithelial biology.