Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 11, 2026

Yeast As a Chassis for Developing Functional Assays to Study Human P53
Published on: August 4, 2019
p53: emerging roles in stem cells, development and beyond
Abhinav K Jain1, Michelle Craig Barton1
1Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, Center for Stem Cell and Development Biology, Center for Cancer Epigenetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson UT Health Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA ajain@mdanderson.org mbarton@mdanderson.org.
Abstract:
Most human cancers harbor mutations in the gene encoding p53. As a result, research on p53 in the past few decades has focused primarily on its role as a tumor suppressor. One consequence of this focus is that the functions of p53 in development have largely been ignored. However, recent advances, such as the genomic profiling of embryonic stem cells, have uncovered the significance and mechanisms of p53 functions in mammalian cell differentiation and development. As we review here, these recent findings reveal roles that complement the well-established roles for p53 in tumor suppression.
Insights
The tumor suppressor p53 protein is crucial in cancer, but its roles in mammalian development and cell differentiation are now being uncovered. Recent research highlights these complementary functions, expanding our understanding beyond cancer suppression.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Mutations in the p53 gene are prevalent in human cancers.
- p53 is extensively studied for its tumor suppressor functions.
- p53's roles in mammalian development and cell differentiation have been historically under-explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in understanding p53 functions in mammalian development.
- To highlight the significance and mechanisms of p53 in cell differentiation.
- To present a comprehensive view of p53's roles, complementing its known tumor suppressor functions.
Main Methods:
- Genomic profiling of embryonic stem cells.
- Literature review of recent findings on p53.
- Analysis of p53's involvement in cell differentiation and development.
Main Results:
- Genomic studies reveal novel p53 functions in embryonic stem cells.
- p53 plays significant roles in mammalian cell differentiation.
- These developmental roles complement p53's established tumor suppressor activities.
Conclusions:
- Recent findings underscore the importance of p53 in development.
- p53's functions extend beyond tumor suppression to critical developmental processes.
- A broader understanding of p53 is emerging, integrating its roles in both cancer and development.
Related Concept Videos
Zygotic Development And Stem Cell Formation
Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
Role of Ephrin-Eph Signalling in Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
Emerging Adulthood
Adult Stem Cells
Embryonic Stem Cells

