P53 and induction of apoptosis as a target for anticancer therapy

Leukemia. 1996 Jul:10 Suppl 3:S2-S4.

Abstract

p53 is the most frequently mutated gone in human cancer cells. Its wild-type gone encodes for a protein with pivotal functions: (i) interaction with key players in the cell cycle leading to cell cycle arrest; (ii) induction of programmed call death, or apoptosis. P53 may be seen as another member of the family of proteins involved in resistance to anticancer therapy, since mutations/deletions involving the p53 gene lead frequently to resistance of radiation/cytotoxic drug treatment. Consequently, patients with p53-mutated tumors may harbor a worse prognosis. On the other hand, reintroducing wild-type P53 may lead to an adequate function of the cellular cell cycle and/or apoptosis program, thus enabling efficient anti-cancer therapy even in the presence of mutated P53. Two options are being discussed: (i) gene therapy approaches; (ii) modulating mutated P53 with yet unknown molecules.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Apoptosis / radiation effects*
  • Genes, p53 / genetics*
  • Genetic Therapy*
  • Humans
  • Mutation*
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Prognosis