Gene Set Bank - p53 Network

The p53 network.

Activation of the network (by stresses such as DNA damage, ultravioletlight and oncogenes) stimulates enzymatic activities that modify p53 and its negative regulator,MDM2. This results in increased levels of activated p53 protein. The expression of several target genes is then activated by binding of the activatedp53 to their regulatory regions. These genes are involved in processes that slow down the development of tumours. For example, some genes inhibit cell-cycle progression or the development of blood vessels to feed a growing tumour; others increase cell death (apoptosis). A negative feedback loop between MDM2 and p53 restrains this network. Many other components of this network, not shown here, havebeen identified. Similarly, p53 activation results in a variety of other effects, including the maintenance of genetic stability, induction of cellular differentiation, and production of extracellular matrix, cytoskeleton and secreted proteins. (Contributed by Dr. Koji Nakade)

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