Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Yeast As a Chassis for Developing Functional Assays to Study Human P53
Published on: August 4, 2019
p300/MDM2 complexes participate in MDM2-mediated p53 degradation
S R Grossman1, M Perez, A L Kung
1Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Abstract:
Control of p53 turnover is critical to p53 function. E1A binding to p300/CBP translates into enhanced p53 stability, implying that these coactivator proteins normally operate in p53 turnover control. In this regard, the p300 C/H1 region serves as a specific in vivo binding site for both p53 and MDM2, a naturally occurring p53 destabilizer. Moreover, most of the endogenous MDM2 is bound to p300, and genetic analysis implies that specific interactions of p53 and MDM2 with p300 C/H1 are important steps in the MDM2-directed turnover of p53. A specific role for p300 in endogenous p53 degradation is underscored by the p53-stabilizing effect of overproducing the p300 C/H1 domain. Taken together, the data indicate that specific interactions between p300/CBP C/H1, p53, and MDM2 are intimately involved in the MDM2-mediated control of p53 abundance.
Insights
The p300 protein and its C/H1 region are crucial for controlling p53 protein levels. Specific interactions between p300/CBP, p53, and MDM2 regulate p53 turnover.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- p53 protein stability is essential for its function.
- p53 turnover is tightly regulated by various protein interactions.
- Coactivator proteins like p300/CBP play a role in modulating p53 stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of p300/CBP in controlling p53 turnover.
- To elucidate the specific interactions between p300/CBP, p53, and MDM2 in regulating p53 abundance.
Main Methods:
- In vivo binding assays to identify interaction sites.
- Genetic analysis to determine the importance of specific interactions.
- Overexpression studies to assess the effect on p53 stability.
Main Results:
- E1A binding to p300/CBP enhances p53 stability, suggesting a role in turnover control.
- The p300 C/H1 region is a binding site for both p53 and MDM2.
- MDM2 is largely bound to p300, and its interaction with p300 C/H1 is critical for p53 turnover.
- Overproduction of the p300 C/H1 domain stabilizes endogenous p53.
Conclusions:
- Specific interactions between p300/CBP C/H1, p53, and MDM2 are integral to MDM2-mediated p53 abundance control.
- p300 plays a direct role in the degradation of p53.
- Understanding these interactions provides insights into cancer development and potential therapeutic targets.
Related Concept Videos
Negative Regulator Molecules
DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle
Inhibition of Cdk Activity
Abnormal Proliferation
Anaphase Promoting Complex
DNA Damage Can Stall the Cell Cycle

