Tumor suppression by Ink4a-Arf: progress and puzzles

Abstract

The two products of the Ink4a-Arf locus, p16(Ink4a) and p19(Arf) (p14(ARF) in humans), are potent tumor suppressors that regulate the activities of the retinoblastoma protein and the p53 transcription factor. These proteins form part of a signaling network that is disrupted in most, if not all, cancer cells. The Ink4a-Arf locus responds to stress signals, limiting cell proliferation and modulating oncogene-induced apoptosis. Recent evidence emerging from mouse tumor models distinguishes the activities of p16(Ink4a) and p19(Arf) in regulating tumor onset and identifies differences in their responsiveness to drugs.