Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
09:37
A Phenotyping Regimen for Genetically Modified Mice Used to Study Genes Implicated in Human Diseases of Aging
Published on: July 14, 2016
Using mice to examine p53 functions in cancer, aging, and longevity
1Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. larryd@bcm.tmc.edu
Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology
|May 12, 2010
Summary
The p53 tumor suppressor protein plays a key role in preventing cancer. Emerging research using mouse models suggests p53 also influences aging and longevity, with varied effects depending on context.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Gerontology
Background:
- The p53 tumor suppressor is a critical protein involved in cellular stress response.
- Its established role in cancer suppression involves cell cycle arrest, senescence, and apoptosis.
- Recent studies suggest a potential role for p53 in regulating aging and longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the antiproliferative functions of p53 in cancer suppression using genetically engineered mouse models.
- To investigate the influence of p53 on aging processes and longevity phenotypes.
- To discuss how altered p53 activity impacts both cancer and aging.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing genetically engineered mouse models to study p53's role.
- Analyzing mouse models with altered aging phenotypes.
- Reviewing existing literature on p53's function in cancer and aging.
Main Results:
- Genetically engineered mouse models have elucidated p53's cancer-suppressive mechanisms.
- Altered p53 activity in mouse models shows context-dependent effects on longevity and aging.
- Some p53 alterations appear to enhance longevity, while others accelerate aging.
Conclusions:
- p53 is a crucial regulator of cellular stress and cancer prevention.
- Mouse models provide valuable insights into p53's dual role in cancer suppression and aging.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the complex relationship between p53, longevity, and aging.
Related Concept Videos
02:43Mouse Models of Cancer Study
Mice have long served as models for studying human biology and pathology because of their phylogenetic and physiological similarity with humans. They are also easy to maintain and breed in the laboratory, and hence, many inbred strains are now available for research. Studies on mice have contributed immeasurably to our understanding of cancer biology.
The development of transgenic, knockout, and knock-in mice has led to an exponential increase in their use as model organisms in research,...
The development of transgenic, knockout, and knock-in mice has led to an exponential increase in their use as model organisms in research,...
02:43Mouse Models of Cancer Study
Mice have long served as models for studying human biology and pathology because of their phylogenetic and physiological similarity with humans. They are also easy to maintain and breed in the laboratory, and hence, many inbred strains are now available for research. Studies on mice have contributed immeasurably to our understanding of cancer biology.
The development of transgenic, knockout, and knock-in mice has led to an exponential increase in their use as model organisms in research,...
The development of transgenic, knockout, and knock-in mice has led to an exponential increase in their use as model organisms in research,...
01:22PI3K/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...
02:23Abnormal 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...