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Yeast As a Chassis for Developing Functional Assays to Study Human P53
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Yeast As a Chassis for Developing Functional Assays to Study Human P53

Published on: August 4, 2019

Cytoplasmic functions of the tumour suppressor p53

Douglas R Green1, Guido Kroemer

  • 1Department of Immunology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA. douglas.green@stjude.org

Nature
|May 2, 2009
PubMed

Insights

The tumor suppressor protein p53, known for its nuclear roles, also functions in the cytoplasm. These newly discovered cytoplasmic activities of p53 further enhance its tumor-suppressing capabilities.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • The p53 protein is a critical tumor suppressor.
  • p53 primarily functions as a nuclear transcription factor.
  • Its nuclear roles include regulating apoptosis and cell cycle progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the emerging roles of p53 outside the nucleus.
  • To investigate the cytoplasmic functions of p53.
  • To understand how these cytoplasmic activities contribute to tumor suppression.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on p53.
  • Analysis of experimental data on p53 localization and function.
  • Functional assays investigating p53's impact on apoptosis and autophagy.

Main Results:

  • p53 accumulates in cells under stress, including DNA damage and oncogene activation.
  • Beyond its nuclear transcription factor activity, p53 exhibits functions in the cytoplasm.
  • Cytoplasmic p53 has been shown to trigger apoptosis and inhibit autophagy.

Conclusions:

  • p53 possesses dual localization functions, acting in both the nucleus and cytoplasm.
  • Cytoplasmic functions of p53 represent a significant, emerging area of cancer research.
  • These novel cytoplasmic activities of p53 reinforce its role as a crucial tumor suppressor.

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