Structure and apoptotic function of p73
Mi-Kyung Yoon1, Ji-Hyang Ha1, Min-Sung Lee2
1Structural Biology & Nanopore Research Laboratory, Functional Genomics Research Center, KRIBB, Daejeon 305-806, Korea.
Abstract:
p73 is a structural and functional homologue of the p53 tumor suppressor protein. Like p53, p73 induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest and transactivates p53-responsive genes, conferring its tumor suppressive activity. In addition, p73 has unique roles in neuronal development and differentiation. The importance of p73-induced apoptosis lies in its capability to substitute the pro-apoptotic activity of p53 in various human cancer cells in which p53 is mutated or inactive. Despite the great importance of p73-induced apoptosis in cancer therapy, little is known about the molecular basis of p73-induced apoptosis. In this review, we discuss the p73 structures reported to date, detailed structural comparisons between p73 and p53, and current understanding of the transcription-dependent and -independent mechanisms of p73-induced apoptosis.
Insights
The p73 protein, a homolog of p53, induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, offering a therapeutic strategy for cancers with mutated p53. This review explores p73 structure and its apoptosis mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
- Neuroscience
Background:
- p73 is a homolog of the p53 tumor suppressor.
- p73 shares functions with p53, including apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest.
- p73 has distinct roles in neuronal development and differentiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structural characteristics of p73.
- To compare the structures of p73 and p53.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying p73-induced apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Structural analysis of p73.
- Comparative structural analysis of p73 and p53.
- Review of literature on p73-mediated apoptosis.
Main Results:
- p73 exhibits structural similarities and differences with p53.
- p73-induced apoptosis can compensate for p53 loss in cancer cells.
- Both transcription-dependent and -independent pathways mediate p73 apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Understanding p73 structure is crucial for cancer therapy.
- p73 represents a potential therapeutic target for cancers with p53 mutations.
- Further research into p73's molecular mechanisms is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
Abnormal Proliferation
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
Apoptosis
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
DNA Damage Can Stall the Cell Cycle
DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle


