Posttranslational modification of p53: cooperative integrators of function

David W Meek1, Carl W Anderson

  • 1Biomedical Research Institute, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK. d.w.meek@dundee.ac.uk

Insights

The p53 protein undergoes numerous posttranslational modifications that work together. These cooperative events, rather than individual changes, collectively regulate p53 protein function.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cellular Stress Response

Background:

  • The p53 protein is a critical tumor suppressor.
  • p53 is regulated by extensive posttranslational modifications (PTMs).
  • Over 50 distinct PTMs have been identified for p53.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the collective impact of p53 posttranslational modifications.
  • To emphasize the interdependent nature of p53 PTMs.
  • To present recent findings on cooperative modification events.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature.
  • Analysis of experimental data on p53 modification.
  • Investigation of protein-protein interactions mediated by p53 PTMs.

Main Results:

  • p53 PTMs exhibit significant interdependence, forming cooperative pathways.
  • Individual p53 modifications often have subtle effects.
  • Collective PTMs precisely regulate protein-protein interactions.

Conclusions:

  • p53 function is regulated by integrated and collective modification events.
  • The cooperative model explains the subtle phenotypes observed in singly or sparsely modified p53.
  • Understanding these collective events is key to comprehending p53 regulation.

Related Concept Videos

Covalently Linked Protein Regulators02:04

Covalently Linked Protein Regulators

Proteins can undergo many types of post-translational modifications, often in response to changes in their environment. These modifications play an important role in the function and stability of these proteins. Covalently linked molecules include functional groups, such as methyl, acetyl, and phosphate groups, and also small proteins, such as ubiquitin. There are around 200 different types of covalent regulators that have been identified.
These groups modify specific amino acids in a protein.
Covalently Linked Protein Regulators02:04

Covalently Linked Protein Regulators

Proteins can undergo many types of post-translational modifications, often in response to changes in their environment. These modifications play an important role in the function and stability of these proteins. Covalently linked molecules include functional groups, such as methyl, acetyl, and phosphate groups, and also small proteins, such as ubiquitin. There are around 200 different types of covalent regulators that have been identified.
These groups modify specific amino acids in a protein.
Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the daughter...
Interactions Between Signaling Pathways01:19

Interactions Between Signaling Pathways

Signaling cascades usually lack linearity. Multiple pathways interact and regulate one another, allowing cells to integrate and respond to diverse environmental stimuli.
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...
Negative Regulator Molecules01:23

Negative Regulator Molecules

Positive regulators allow a cell to advance through cell cycle checkpoints. Negative regulators have an equally important role as they terminate a cell’s progression through the cell cycle—or pause it—until the cell meets specific criteria.
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway01:22

PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway

The mammalian target of rapamycin  (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates growth, proliferation, and cell survival in response to hormones, growth factors, or nutrient availability. This kinase exists in two structurally and functionally distinct forms: mTOR complex 1  (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2  (mTORC2). The first form (mTORC1) is composed of a rapamycin-sensitive Raptor and proline-rich Akt substrate, PRAS40. In contrast,  mTORC2 consists of a rapamycin-insensitive companion...