Biology of the p53 Protein

The p53 gene, located on chromosome 17pl3.1 in humans, spans 20 kilo-bases and contains 11 exons, the first one noncoding. The overall structure of the gene and the sequence of several domains corresponding to key struc- 

Activation of p53 is a complex process involving the cooperation of multiple molecular mechanisms. Table I lists factors that have been implicated in the signalling pathways upstream of p53, and Table II lists downstream factors. Most of our current knowledge is derived from studies using ionizing radiation to induce DNA strand break damage. It is, however, likely that several distinct pathways coexist besides the ones activated by irradiation. 

14-3-3o ATM Signal transduction/ionizing radiations Kinase/ionizing radiations 

DNA-PK E6AP Kinase/UV E6 accessory protein/ubiquitin-mediated degradation 

Hif-1 HMG-1 Hypoxia-inducible factor/hypoxia High mobility group 1/  

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