Tumour suppressor p53: u nderstanding the molecular mechanisms inherent to cance

Abstract

Tumo u r suppressor p53 has been the centre of focus of researchers trying to decipher the molecular mechanisms underlying tumo u rigenesis. In this r e- view, we have summarized the critical role of p53 in tumo u r suppression through its effects on several ce l lular processes suc h as DNA repair, cell cycle and apo p tosis. We have also discussed the role of upstream regulators which sensitize p53 to respond to different stress conditions. Pos t - translational modifications of p53 along with its binding partners have emerged as major d eterminants of its functional selectivity and specificity. Unravelling the intricacies of p53 functions have been augmented with the development of new mouse models of p53, which also have been discussed in this review