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Updated: Mar 22, 2026

Detection of Aggregation-Prone Behavior in Mutant P53 V157F Breast Cancer Cells Using Multipoint Thioflavin T Fluorescence
Published on: December 30, 2025
Novel targets and interaction partners of mutant p53 Gain-Of-Function
Lydia Aschauer1, Patricia A J Muller2
1MRC Toxicology Unit, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, U.K.
Abstract:
In many human cancers p53 expression is lost or a mutant p53 protein is expressed. Over the past 15 years it has become apparent that a large number of these mutant p53 proteins have lost wild type function, but more importantly have gained functions that promote tumorigenesis and drive chemo-resistance, invasion and metastasis. Many researchers have investigated the underlying mechanisms of these Gain-Of-Functions (GOFs) and it has become apparent that many of these functions are the result of mutant p53 hijacking other transcription factors. In this review, we summarize the latest research on p53 GOF and categorize these in light of the hallmarks of cancer as presented by Hannahan and Weinberg.
Insights
Mutant p53 proteins gain tumor-promoting functions, driving cancer progression and chemo-resistance. This review details these gain-of-function (GOF) mechanisms, focusing on how mutant p53 hijacks transcription factors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Loss or mutation of p53 is common in human cancers.
- Mutant p53 proteins often gain oncogenic functions beyond wild-type p53 loss.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent research on p53 gain-of-function (GOF) mechanisms.
- To categorize p53 GOFs according to the hallmarks of cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on mutant p53.
- Analysis of p53 GOF mechanisms and their link to cancer hallmarks.
Main Results:
- Mutant p53 GOFs promote tumorigenesis, chemo-resistance, invasion, and metastasis.
- Many GOFs involve mutant p53 interacting with and hijacking other transcription factors.
Conclusions:
- Mutant p53 GOFs represent a significant driver of cancer progression.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted cancer therapies.
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