The yin and yang of p53 in cellular proliferation

Abstract

The tumor suppressor p53 is a key element in preserving the stability of the genetic information of vertebrates. In response to DNA damage, PSS induces a growth arrest thus allowing time for DNA repair to occur. However, p53 seems to exert additional functions in cellular proliferation, amongst them a so far unidentified role in the progression of cells through the cell cycle and in differentiation processes. Modulation of p53 activities, by regulating p53 interactions with different target genes and cellular protein partners through the cellular environment might explain the diversity of p53 functions in cellular growth control.