{"title":"Deciphering the significance of p53 mutant proteins.","authors":"Alessio Butera, Ivano Amelio","doi":"10.1016/j.tcb.2024.06.003","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Mutations in the p53 gene compromise its role as guardian of genomic integrity, yielding predominantly missense p53 mutant proteins. The gain-of-function hypothesis has long suggested that these mutant proteins acquire new oncogenic properties; however, recent studies challenge this notion, indicating that targeting these mutants may not impact the fitness of cancer cells. Mounting evidence indicates that tumorigenesis involves a cooperative interplay between driver mutations and cellular state, influenced by developmental stage, external insults, and tissue damage. Consistently, the behavior and properties of p53 mutants are altered by the context. This article aims to provide a balanced summary of the evolving evidence regarding the contribution of p53 mutants in the biology of cancer while contemplating alternative frameworks to decipher the complexity of p53 mutants within their physiological contexts.</p>","PeriodicalId":56085,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Cell Biology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.0000,"publicationDate":"2024-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Trends in Cell Biology","FirstCategoryId":"99","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tcb.2024.06.003","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"CELL BIOLOGY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Mutations in the p53 gene compromise its role as guardian of genomic integrity, yielding predominantly missense p53 mutant proteins. The gain-of-function hypothesis has long suggested that these mutant proteins acquire new oncogenic properties; however, recent studies challenge this notion, indicating that targeting these mutants may not impact the fitness of cancer cells. Mounting evidence indicates that tumorigenesis involves a cooperative interplay between driver mutations and cellular state, influenced by developmental stage, external insults, and tissue damage. Consistently, the behavior and properties of p53 mutants are altered by the context. This article aims to provide a balanced summary of the evolving evidence regarding the contribution of p53 mutants in the biology of cancer while contemplating alternative frameworks to decipher the complexity of p53 mutants within their physiological contexts.
期刊介绍:
Trends in Cell Biology stands as a prominent review journal in molecular and cell biology. Monthly review articles track the current breadth and depth of research in cell biology, reporting on emerging developments and integrating various methods, disciplines, and principles. Beyond Reviews, the journal features Opinion articles that follow trends, offer innovative ideas, and provide insights into the implications of new developments, suggesting future directions. All articles are commissioned from leading scientists and undergo rigorous peer-review to ensure balance and accuracy.