Microchip-Based Structure Determination of Disease-Relevant p53

Anal Chem. 2020 Dec 1;92(23):15558-15564. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c03599. Epub 2020 Oct 30.

Abstract

The tumor suppressor protein TP53 (p53) plays a multifaceted role in all cells of the human body. Mutations in the TP53 gene are often involved in cancer induction and disease progression. Despite its important role in health and development, structural information for p53 remains incomplete. Here, we present a microchip-based technology to facilitate structural studies of p53 assemblies derived from human cancer cells. These devices do not introduce foreign sequences to the p53 gene and maintain naturally occurring post-translational modifications. Using cryo-electron microscopy, structures for the p53 monomer (∼50 kDa) and tetramer (∼200 kDa) were resolved to ∼4.8 and ∼7 Å, respectively. These structures revealed new insights for flexible regions of p53 along with biologically relevant ubiquitination sites. Collectively, the convergence of nanotechnology tools and structural imaging builds a strong framework to understand the oncogenic impact of p53 in human tissues.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Disease*
  • Humans
  • Microchip Analytical Procedures*
  • Protein Multimerization
  • Protein Structure, Quaternary
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / chemistry*
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / metabolism

Substances

  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53