Tumor suppressor p53 and TRIM family proteins

Abstract

Tumor suppressor p53 plays a key role in maintaining genomic stability and tumor suppression. As a transcription factor, p53 mainly exerts its function in tumor suppression through transcriptional regulation of its target genes to regulate a wide variety of cellular responses. To maintain its proper function, p53 protein levels and activity are tightly regulated in cells through many different mechanisms. TRIM proteins are a superfamily of proteins defined by the presence of the tripartite motif (TRIM) composed of a RING domain, one or two B-box domains and a coiled-coil domain. TRIM proteins are involved in a broad range of biological processes, including cell growth and differentiation, development, immune response and tumorigenesis. Recent studies have shown that p53 transcriptionally regulates the expression of many TRIM genes, especially in response to stress, and in turn, many TRIM proteins function as negative or positive regulators for p53 and its signaling pathway. The close interaction and communication between the p53 and TRIM family proteins have revealed new mechanisms for p53 regulation in cells and also highlighted an important role of TRIM proteins in tumorigenesis. Here, we review the regulation network between the p53 and TRIM family proteins.