Increased apoptosis in AK-5 tumor cells after transfection with wild type p53 gene

AK-5 tumor cell death is mediated through necrosis and apoptosis. The apoptotic activity in AK-5 cells has been studied after introduction of wild-type p53 gene. Apoptotic activity both in vitro and in vivo is significantly increased in p53 transfected cells. Similarly there is fragmentation of tumor cell DNA after undergoing apoptosis. These observations suggest an active participation of p53 in inducing apoptosis in AK-5 tumor cells.