Tumor suppressor p53: new functions of an old protein

Abstract

p53 was discovered 30 years ago. Extensive studies have been done on p53 since then, which makes p53 one of the most extensively studied genes. p53 has long been recognized as a key tumor suppressor. Cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and senescence have been traditionally recognized as the main functions of p53 in tumor suppression. Recently, some novel functions of p53 have been identified, including the regulation of energy metabolism, antioxidant defense, and microRNA expression and maturation, which all contribute to the role of p53 in tumor suppression. Furthermore, the contribution of p53 to normal biologic processes (e.g. reproduction and aging) and some other aspects of diseases (e.g. neurodegenerative diseases) is only now being appreciated. Here we will review recent advances in the study of some new functions of p53.