[p53 mutations and resistance to chemotherapy: a stab in the back for p73?]

Abstract

p53 gene is a member of a multigene family that includes p53, p63 and p73. The association of p73 and p63 with cell transformation has been elusive as no genetic or epigenetic alteration of these genes has been uncovered yet. Recent work has shown clearly that p73 is an essential component of the signaling pathway that lead to apoptosis after DNA damage induced by cytotoxic agents use in cancer therapy. Furthermore, it has been established that a sub-category of mutant p53 is able to interact with p73 and inhibit its apoptotic activity. Such discovery will be important for a better understanding of the signaling pathway that lead to resistance to chemotherapy.