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Multiple functions of p21 in cell cycle, apoptosis and transcriptional regulation after DNA damage

Ansar Karimian1, Yasin Ahmadi2, Bahman Yousefi3

  • 1Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.

DNA Repair
|May 9, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor p21 is crucial for cell cycle arrest and DNA repair. Its functions in apoptosis and gene transcription depend on its interactions and cellular location.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Cell cycle control is vital for preventing diseases like cancer.
  • Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor p21 (p21WAF1/Cip1) is a key regulator of cell cycle progression.
  • p21's functions are influenced by its cellular localization and protein interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of p21 in cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and gene transcription.
  • To discuss the mechanisms controlling p21 expression and activity, including p53-dependent and independent pathways.
  • To highlight p21's involvement in DNA repair through interactions with proteins like PCNA.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on p21 function and regulation.
  • Analysis of research on p21's role in response to DNA damage.
  • Examination of factors influencing p21 subcellular localization and protein interactions.

Main Results:

  • p21 induces cell cycle arrest in response to various stimuli.
  • p21's nuclear localization is critical for its cell cycle inhibitory effects.
  • p21 participates in transcriptional regulation, apoptosis modulation, and DNA repair via PCNA interaction.

Conclusions:

  • p21 is a versatile protein with critical roles in maintaining genomic stability.
  • Understanding p21 regulation and function is essential for developing targeted therapies for cancer and other diseases.
  • Further research into p21's interactions and localization will elucidate its full biological significance.
Keywords:
ApoptosisCell cycleDNA damagep21

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