Structure and Biochemical Properties of the p53 Protein

The p53 protein can be seen as a multi-talent amongst the regulatory proteins. As shown in Fig. 14.7, three domains can be identified in the p53 protein, and defined biochemical functions can be assigned to these. 

In the N-terminal region of p53, there is a transactivation domain which p53 uses to make contact with the transcription apparatus. Different protein binding sites have been identified in this region. These include binding sites for components of the TFIID complex and for coactivators such as the CBP/p300 coactivator (see 1.4.6). 

A core domain of 100—300 amino acids includes the binding site for the corresponding DNA element and binding sites for viral oncoproteins such as the large T antigen 

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