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Detection of Aggregation-Prone Behavior in Mutant P53 V157F Breast Cancer Cells Using Multipoint Thioflavin T Fluorescence
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4

Reviving the guardian of the genome: Small molecule activators of p53

Daniel Nguyen1, Wenjuan Liao1, Shelya X Zeng1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave, LA 70012, United States.

Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|March 30, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Activating the tumor suppressor p53 protein is a promising strategy for cancer prevention and treatment. This review covers recent progress in developing small molecule activators of p53 for anti-cancer therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Drug Discovery

Background:

  • The tumor suppressor p53 protein is crucial for maintaining genomic stability and preventing cancer.
  • Cancer cells frequently inactivate p53 through gene mutation or functional disruption.
  • Restoring p53 function presents a viable therapeutic strategy against cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive review of recent advancements in activating the p53 protein for anti-cancer therapy.
  • To summarize the progress of small molecule p53 activators currently in research and clinical trials.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific publications and clinical trial data.
  • Analysis of small molecule compounds targeting p53 activation pathways.
  • Synthesis of information on bench-stage and clinically evaluated p53 activators.

Main Results:

  • Significant progress has been made over the last 15 years in developing p53-activating molecules.
  • Numerous small molecule activators have been identified, with some progressing to clinical evaluation.
  • The field shows continued innovation in targeting p53 for cancer treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Activating p53 is a key strategy in developing novel, molecule-based cancer therapies.
  • Small molecule activators of p53 represent a promising therapeutic avenue, with ongoing research and clinical trials.
  • Further development holds potential for effective cancer prevention and treatment by restoring p53 function.
Keywords:
Drug discoveryInauhzinMDM2MDMXSmall moleculesp53

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