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p21 in Cancer Research

Bahar Shamloo1, Sinem Usluer2

  • 1Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA. bahar.shamloo@hci.utah.edu.

Cancers
|August 17, 2019
PubMed

Insights

The protein p21, a cell cycle inhibitor, has dual roles in cancer. Targeting p21 offers potential for novel cancer therapies by modulating its function and subcellular localization.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • p21 is a key cell cycle inhibitor and anti-proliferative factor in normal cells.
  • Its function is often dysregulated in various cancers.
  • While known for tumor suppression, p21's role in cancer is complex, involving phenotypic plasticity and apoptosis regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of p21 in cancer.
  • To explore how p21's subcellular localization and p53 status influence its oncogenic or anti-apoptotic functions.
  • To highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting p21 in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of basic science and translational studies.
  • Analysis of research utilizing precision gene editing to manipulate p21 and interacting proteins.
  • Examination of findings related to p21 regulation, function, and drug sensitivity.

Main Results:

  • p21 exhibits context-dependent functions in cancer, acting as both a tumor suppressor and an oncogene.
  • Subcellular localization and p53 status are critical determinants of p21's activity.
  • Targeting p21 has yielded insights into cancer regulation and drug sensitivity.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the complex roles of p21 is crucial for developing effective cancer therapies.
  • Targeting p21, considering its localization and p53 status, presents a promising avenue for novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Further research into p21 manipulation could lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment.
Keywords:
p21, cancer, therapeutic approach, p53, gene editing

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