New enzyme pathway that plays a role in anticancer protein p53 has been discovered by scientists. Oncogene p53 has two faces, i.e its unmutated form prevents cancer while mutated form leads to aggressive cancers.
Highlights:
P53 is the tumor suppressor oncogene protecting the genome
from cellular stress and playing a role in cancer. This gene usually guards the
genome and plays a major role in repairing DNA damage caused by ultraviolet
radiation and chemicals. However, when mutated, p53 switches from serving as a
protection against cancer to causing aggressive cancers
When this gene becomes mutated, the protein becomes stable
and abundant accumulating in the nucleus of cells thereby causing cancer. This dual nature of p53 has been puzzling
scientists and there was much to be understood about the molecular mechanisms
governing its stability and function. - p53 is the tumor suppressor oncogene protecting the genome from cellular stress and playing a role in cancer
- When mutated, p53 switches from serving as a protection against cancer to causing aggressive cancers
- This dual nature of p53 has been puzzling scientists and there was much to be understood about the molecular mechanisms governing its stability and function
- An enzyme regulator (PIPK1-alpha and its lipid messenger PIP2) of, which plays a role in cancer was discovered. However, eliminating the mutated form of p53 can prevent cancers
Scientists Find Key to Common Cancer Pathway
The research team at the University of Wisconsin, Madison led by cancer scientists Richard A. Anderson and Vincent Cyrns reported the discovery of an enzyme regulator (PIPK1-alpha and its lipid messenger PIP2) of p53 which plays a role in cancer. This enzyme is a nuclear phosphoinositide kinase complex.
Mutant P53 Gene Fuels Cancer-promoting Effects of Inflammation
Instead of suppressing tumor growth, mutant forms of p53 gene fuel pro-inflammatory responses that increase cancer growth, says study.
Instead of suppressing tumor growth, mutant forms of p53 gene fuel pro-inflammatory responses that increase cancer growth, says study.
‘p53 is the tumor suppressor oncogene protecting the genome from cellular stress and playing a role in cancer. Oncogene p53 has two faces: its unmutated form prevents cancer while mutated form leads to aggressive cancers.’
Read More..
The
research
team found
that when cell stress occurs either due to DNA damage or any other cause, the
enzyme gravitates towards p53 and produces PIP2 which also binds to it and
thereby, creates interaction
between p53 and molecules called small heat shock proteins. Read More..
Professor Cyrns said that small heat shock proteins are good at stabilizing proteins and this type of strong binding with p53 activates its cancer-causing role.
The study also demonstrated that interrupting the PIP2 enzyme pathway can prevent mutant p53 from accumulating and causing damage. Professor Anderson said that eliminating the mutated form of p53 can prevent cancers.
Tumor Suppressor Gene p53 may Also Contribute to The Spread of Cancer
Variant of the p53 gene, commonly known as tumor suppressor gene, increases tumor cell metabolism. A genetic variant of mutant p53 is associated with increased mitochondrial function and poorer prognosis for breast cancer patients.
Variant of the p53 gene, commonly known as tumor suppressor gene, increases tumor cell metabolism. A genetic variant of mutant p53 is associated with increased mitochondrial function and poorer prognosis for breast cancer patients.
Future Research Plans
The research team is now on to discovering inhibitors for PIPK1-alpha which could be used to treat tumors caused by p53 mutations. They hope to find methods to block the kinase or other molecules that bind p53 and lead to accumulation of the protein in the cell nucleus.The study was published in Nature Cell Biology.
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Stanford-led Study Uncovers Secrets of P53 Tumor Suppressor
Mutation in the p53 tumor suppressor has been recently uncovered by a Stanford-led study. The study reveals how mutation supercharges the gene combat tumors.
Mutation in the p53 tumor suppressor has been recently uncovered by a Stanford-led study. The study reveals how mutation supercharges the gene combat tumors.
- UW team finds key to common cancer pathway in discovery that could unlock new therapies - (https://news.wisc.edu/uw-team-finds-key-to-common-cancer-pathway-in-discovery-that-could-unlock-new-therapies/)
Source-Medindia
Cancer-fighting Gene’s Function Discovered
Specific DNA repair genes are critical to the ability of tumor suppressor protein, p53 to prevent the development of lymphomas, scientists have discovered.
Specific DNA repair genes are critical to the ability of tumor suppressor protein, p53 to prevent the development of lymphomas, scientists have discovered.
