Looking at p53: theoretical implications and methodological aspects.

Hypoxia is present in several areas of malignant tumours and is thought to result from an inadequate rate of tumour angiogenesis, vascular collapse, or both. The presence and extent of these hypoxic tumour microenvironments have recently been shown to influence tumour progression by regulating both tumour cell survival and the expression of key angiogenic molecules. Recent studies have suggested that mutations in the tumour suppressor gene, p53, may play an important role in regulating the adaptive response of tumour cells to hypoxia by enhancing their survival and release of proangiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor. It has even been suggested that hypoxia may select for the survival of the more malignant clones harbouring such genetic defects as mutations in p53. Recently, the transcription factor, NFkB, has also been implicated as a novel mediator of the effects of hypoxia and reoxygenation in tumour cells. This article reviews some of the molecular mechanisms subserving the responses of tumour cells to hypoxic stress, particularly the role and relation of NFkB and p53 in regulating this phenomenon.

Genes, p53↗

PubMed1998

Sensitivity to ionizing radiation in Saos-2 cells transfected with mutant p53 genes depends on the mutation position.

We have constructed an in vitro system to examine how p53 mutants affect radiosensitivity. Mutations of p53 were made using in vitro mutagenesis, and mutant cDNAs were introduced into the human osteosarcoma cell line, Saos-2, which is devoid of endogenous p53. For wild type p53, both the expression plasmid and a regulation plasmid (LacSwitch system) were transfected into the cells. The radiosensitivities of clones of mutant p53 and wild type p53 were examined. Transformants of wild type p53 had increased radiosensitivity. The induction of wild type p53 protein by addition of IPTG did not significantly increased radiosensitivity. A mutation at codon 123 also increased radiosensitivity. Mutations at codons 143, 175, and 273 did not alter radiosensitivity.

Genes, p53↗

PubMed1998

[Current status of p53 tumor suppressor gene as a possible molecular marker of cancer of the prostate].

Diagnosis of prostate cancer has increased over the last few years both in localized and in more advanced stages. At present, several groups are working in the search and evaluation of alternative tumoral markers as the current ones do not cover all the Urologist's needs. In this context, a number of studies on the mutation of the tumour suppressor gen p53 in both localized and metastatic prostate cancer are being carried out. When a noxa acts on the DNA, protein p53 inhibits the cell cycle allowing the repair systems to operate and, if the damage is significant enough, cell apoptosis. The loss of this control mechanism secondary to the synthesis of anomalous proteins can result in the proliferation of neoplastic cells. A revision of the most representative papers in the literature is presented here, addressing the surrounding controversy and the resulting future possibilities.

Genes, p53↗