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Updated: Jan 3, 2026

Yeast As a Chassis for Developing Functional Assays to Study Human P53
Published on: August 4, 2019
New insights into p53 functions through its target microRNAs
Jun-Ming Liao1, Bo Cao1, Xiang Zhou1
1Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
Abstract:
The tumor suppressor p53 pathway, whose alterations are highly associated with all types of human cancers, plays an essential role in preventing tumor development and progression mostly through its downstream target genes. Over the last decade, a growing list of p53 microRNA (miRNA) targets has been identified as additional downstream players of this pathway. Further studies of these miRNAs have revealed their more complicated regulations and functions in executing and/or regulating p53 activity. Here, we review the p53 miRNA targets identified thus far, and discuss how they fine-tune p53 stress responses, mediate the crosstalk between p53 and other signaling pathways, and expand the role of p53 in other human diseases in addition to cancers.
Insights
The p53 pathway, crucial in cancer prevention, involves microRNAs (miRNAs) that regulate its activity. This review explores p53 miRNA targets, their roles in stress responses, and broader disease implications beyond cancer.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- The tumor suppressor p53 pathway is critical for preventing cancer development and progression.
- Alterations in the p53 pathway are frequently observed across various human cancers.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key downstream regulators of the p53 pathway.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review identified p53 microRNA targets.
- To discuss the regulatory roles of these miRNAs in p53 activity.
- To explore the involvement of p53-miRNA interactions in broader human diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of identified p53 miRNA targets.
- Analysis of studies on miRNA regulation of p53.
- Synthesis of information on p53-miRNA crosstalk in disease.
Main Results:
- Numerous p53 miRNA targets have been identified.
- These miRNAs exhibit complex regulatory functions on p53 activity.
- P53-miRNA interactions fine-tune cellular stress responses.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs are integral to the p53 pathway's function.
- P53-miRNA networks mediate crosstalk with other signaling pathways.
- Understanding these interactions expands the role of p53 in human diseases, including cancer.
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