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Updated: Jan 20, 2026
Characterizing DNA Repair Processes at Transient and Long-lasting Double-strand DNA Breaks by Immunofluorescence Microscopy
Published on: June 8, 2018
p53 and its isoforms in DNA double-stranded break repair
Yu-Xi Zhang1, Wen-Ya Pan1, Jun Chen1
1MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
Abstract:
DNA double-stranded break (DSB) is one of the most catastrophic damages of genotoxic insult. Inappropriate repair of DNA DSBs results in the loss of genetic information, mutation, and the generation of harmful genomic rearrangements, which predisposes an organism to immunodeficiency, neurological damage, and cancer. The tumor repressor p53 plays a key role in DNA damage response, and has been found to be mutated in 50% of human cancer. p53, p63, and p73 are three members of the p53 gene family. Recent discoveries have shown that human p53 gene encodes at least 12 isoforms. Different p53 members and isoforms play various roles in orchestrating DNA damage response to maintain genomic integrity. This review briefly explores the functions of p53 and its isoforms in DNA DSB repair.
Insights
DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) can cause mutations and cancer. The p53 gene family, including various p53 isoforms, plays a crucial role in repairing these DNA damages to maintain genomic stability.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cancer Research
Background:
- DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are severe genotoxic damages.
- Improper DSB repair leads to genetic instability, mutations, and cancer.
- The tumor suppressor p53 is critical in DNA damage response and frequently mutated in human cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the functions of the p53 gene family members and their isoforms.
- To explore the role of p53 and its isoforms in DNA double-strand break repair.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on p53 family members and DNA repair.
- Analysis of the roles of different p53 isoforms in cellular response to DNA damage.
Main Results:
- The p53 gene family comprises p53, p63, and p73.
- The human p53 gene encodes at least 12 isoforms.
- Different p53 members and isoforms exhibit distinct functions in DNA damage response and repair.
Conclusions:
- The p53 family, through its diverse isoforms, is essential for maintaining genomic integrity following DNA DSBs.
- Understanding p53 isoform functions is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies against cancer and other diseases linked to genomic instability.
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