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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
Yeast As a Chassis for Developing Functional Assays to Study Human P53
Published on: August 4, 2019
[Advances on mutant p53 research]
Da-Hu Li1, Ling-Qiang Zhang, Fu-Chu He
1State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100850, China. lidahu1984@163.com
Abstract:
Inactivation of tumor suppressor gene is a key event in carcinogenesis. p53 is one of the most important tumor suppressor genes in the genome, and its mutations are found in approximately 50% of human cancers. p53 mutation is also the main cause for human Li-Fraumeni syndrome. The vast majority of p53 mutations are missense mutations, and the corresponding mutant p53 proteins not only lose wild-type p53 tumor suppressor activities, but also gain new oncogenic properties favoring cancer development. Here, we mainly discussed the structural and functional alterations of mutant p53, the molecular mechanisms underlying gain of oncogenic functions, and the strategies and explorations of suppressing mutant p53 activities.
Insights
Mutations in the tumor suppressor gene p53, crucial for preventing cancer, are found in half of all human cancers. This study explores how these p53 mutations alter protein structure and function, promoting cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Context:
- Tumor suppressor gene inactivation is critical in cancer development.
- p53 is a vital tumor suppressor gene, with mutations in ~50% of human cancers.
- p53 mutations are the primary cause of Li-Fraumeni syndrome.
Purpose:
- To discuss structural and functional changes in mutant p53 proteins.
- To explore the molecular mechanisms behind the gain of oncogenic functions by mutant p53.
- To review strategies for suppressing mutant p53 activity.
Summary:
- Most p53 mutations are missense, leading to loss of tumor suppression and gain of oncogenic functions.
- Mutant p53 proteins actively promote cancer progression.
- Understanding these alterations is key to developing targeted cancer therapies.
Impact:
- Provides insights into the oncogenic role of mutant p53.
- Highlights potential therapeutic strategies targeting mutant p53.
- Advances the understanding of carcinogenesis driven by p53 mutations.
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