p53 downstream target genes and tumor suppression: a classical view in evolution.

摘要

The transcription factor p53 is a critical component in the normal cell's response to damage owing to cellular stresses such as DNA damage, oncogenic stimulation, nutrient deprivation, or hypoxia. Its role as a tumor suppressor is exemplified by the fact that many cancers selectively inactivate p53 and/or the p53 pathway. In addition, the loss of p53 in mice leads to spontaneous tumor formation. However, no mouse knockout of an individual p53 target has been able to recapitulate the p53-null mouse phenotype indicating that the loss of p53 has multiple effects on tumor formation.