THE P53 TUMOR-SUPPRESSOR GENE

Background Abnormalities of the p53 tumour suppressor gene are thought to be central to the development of a high proportion of human tumour s. This article reviews current understanding of its function and pote ntial clinical significance. Methods Material was identified from prev ious review articles, references cited in original papers, a Medline s earch of the literature over the 12 months to January 1998, and by sca nning the latest issues of relevant journals. Results and conclusion p 53 is considered to be a stress response gene, its product (the p53 pr otein) acting to induce cell cycle arrest or apoptosis in response to DNA damage, thereby maintaining genetic stability in the organism. The se functions are executed by a complex and incompletely understood ser ies of steps known as the 'p53 pathway', part of which involves induct ion of the expression of a number of other genes. As p53 is the most c ommonly mutated gene in human cancer, it has attracted a great deal of interest as a prognostic factor, diagnostic tool and therapeutic targ et. However, despite many promising studies, its potential in practica l cancer management has still to be realized.