J Biol Chem. 2003; 278:14230-14236.

Inactivation of the RB tumor suppressor gene by oncogenic isoforms of the p53 family member p73.

Stiewe T, Stanelle J, Theseling CC, Pollmeier B, Beitzinger M, Pützer BM.
The p53 family includes three members that share significant sequence homology, yet exhibit fundamentally different functions in tumorigenesis. Whereas p53 displays all characteristics of a classical tumor suppressor, its homologues p63 and p73 do not. We have previously shown, that NH(2)-terminally truncated isoforms of p73 (Delta TA-p73), which act as dominant-negative inhibitors of p53 are frequently overexpressed in cancer cells. Here we provide evidence that Delta TA-p73 isoforms also affect the retinoblastoma protein (RB) tumor suppressor pathway independent of p53. Delta TA-p73 isoforms inactivate RB by increased phosphorylation, resulting in enhanced E2F activity and proliferation of fibroblasts. By inactivating the two major tumor suppressor pathways in human cells they act functionally analogous to several viral oncoproteins. These findings provide an explanation for the fundamentally different functions of p53 and p73 in tumorigenesis.
Vorheriger Beitrag
p73 is effective in p53-null pancreatic cancer cells resistant to wild-type TP53 gene replacement.
Nächster Beitrag
Foamy virus-adenovirus hybrid vectors.
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