The p53 network: p53 and its downstream genes.
The tumor-suppressor gene p53 and its downstream genes consist of a complicated gene network. p53 is a key molecular node in the network, which is activated in response to several cellular signals resulting in the maintenance of genetic stability. Several cellular signals may activate the p53 network. When the expression of P53 is elevated, P53-MDM2 module and the ubiquitin system can accurately regulate the expression level of P53. P53 can bind to specific DNA sequence, activate its downstream genes expression, and control cell-cycle arrest, DNA repair, and apoptosis. Elucidating the function of p53 gene network will help understand the interaction mechanisms of p53 and its downstream genes.
Shu
Kun-Xian
KX
College of Bioinformation, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing 400065, China. kxshu@yahoo.com.cn
Li
Biao
B
Wu
Li-Xiang
LX
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology; D002453:Cell Cycle / Q000502:physiology; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D051736:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-mdm2 / Q000378:metabolism; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D025801:Ubiquitin / Q000378:metabolism
D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; D025801:Ubiquitin; D051736:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-mdm2