Inactivation Of P53 Research Articles

Restoration of p53 functions by suppression of mortalin-p53 sequestration: an emerging target in cancer therapy.

Functional inactivation of wild-type p53 is a major traitof cancerous cells. In many cases, such inactivation occurs by either TP53 gene mutations or due to overexpression of p53 binding partners. This review focuses on an overexpressed p53 binding partner called mortalin, a mitochondrial heat shock protein that sequesters both wild-type and mutant p53 in malignant cells due to changes in subcellular localization. Clinical evidence suggestsa drastic depletion of the overall survival time of cancer patients with high mortalin expression. Therefore, mortalin-p53 sequestration inhibitors could begame changers in improving overall survival rates. This review explores the consequences of mortalin overexpression and challenges, statusand strategies for accelerating drug discovery to suppress mortalin-p53 sequestration.

2403P CDKN2A deletions are a mechanism for p16 inactivation in urothelial bladder carcinomas and are associated with an aggressive tumor phenotype

2403P CDKN2A deletions are a mechanism for p16 inactivation in urothelial bladder carcinomas and are associated with an aggressive tumor phenotype

Nuclear transport surveillance of p53 by nuclear pores in glioblastoma

Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are the central apparatus of nucleocytoplasmic transport. Disease-specific alterations of NPCs contribute to the pathogenesis of many cancers; however, the roles of NPCs in glioblastoma (GBM) are unknown. In this study, we report genomic amplification of NUP107, a component of NPCs, in GBM and show that NUP107 is overexpressed simultaneously with MDM2, a critical E3 ligase that mediates p53 degradation. Depletion of NUP107 inhibits the growth of GBM cell lines through p53 protein stabilization. Mechanistically, NPCs establish a p53 degradation platform via an export pathway coupled with 26S proteasome tethering. NUP107 is the keystone for NPC assembly; the loss of NUP107 affects the integrity of the NPC structure, and thus the proportion of 26S proteasome in the vicinity of nuclear pores significantly decreases. Together, our findings establish roles of NPCs in transport surveillance and provide insights into p53 inactivation in GBM.

P53 restoration in small cell lung cancer identifies a latent cyclophilin-dependent necrosis mechanism

The p53 tumor suppressor regulates multiple context-dependent tumor suppressive programs. Although p53 is mutated in ~90% of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) tumors, how p53 mediates tumor suppression in this context is unknown. Here, using a mouse model of SCLC in which endogenous p53 expression can be conditionally and temporally regulated, we show that SCLC tumors maintain a requirement for p53 inactivation. However, we identify tumor subtype heterogeneity between SCLC tumors such that p53 reactivation induces senescence in a subset of tumors, while in others, p53 induces necrosis. We pinpoint cyclophilins as critical determinants of a p53-induced transcriptional program that is specific to SCLC tumors and cell lines poised to undergo p53-mediated necrosis. Importantly, inhibition of cyclophilin isomerase activity, or genetic ablation of specific cyclophilin genes, suppresses p53-mediated necrosis by limiting p53 transcriptional output without impacting p53 chromatin binding. Our study demonstrates that intertumoral heterogeneity in SCLC influences the biological response to p53 restoration, describes a cyclophilin-dependent mechanism of p53-regulated cell death, and uncovers putative mechanisms for the treatment of this most-recalcitrant tumor type.

P53 governs an AT1 differentiation programme in lung cancer suppression.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide1. Mutations in the tumour suppressor gene TP53 occur in 50% of lung adenocarcinomas (LUADs) and are linked to poor prognosis1-4, but how p53 suppresses LUAD development remains enigmatic. We show here that p53 suppresses LUAD by governing cell state, specifically by promoting alveolar type 1 (AT1) differentiation. Using mice that express oncogenic Kras and null, wild-type or hypermorphic Trp53 alleles in alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells, we observed graded effects of p53 on LUAD initiation and progression. RNA sequencing and ATAC sequencing of LUAD cells uncovered a p53-induced AT1 differentiation programme during tumour suppression in vivo through direct DNA binding, chromatin remodelling and inductionof genes characteristic of AT1 cells. Single-cell transcriptomics analyses revealed that during LUAD evolution, p53 promotes AT1 differentiation throughaction in a transitional cell state analogous to a transient intermediary seen during AT2-to-AT1 cell differentiation in alveolar injury repair. Notably, p53 inactivation results in the inappropriate persistence of these transitional cancer cells accompanied by upregulated growth signalling and divergence from lung lineage identity, characteristics associated with LUAD progression. Analysis of Trp53 wild-type and Trp53-null mice showed that p53 also directs alveolar regeneration after injury by regulating AT2 cell self-renewal and promoting transitional cell differentiation into AT1 cells. Collectively, these findings illuminate mechanisms of p53-mediated LUAD suppression, in which p53 governs alveolar differentiation, and suggest that tumour suppression reflects a fundamental role of p53 in orchestrating tissue repair after injury.

Transglutaminase 2 is associated with adverse colorectal cancer survival and represents a therapeutic target

Molecular markers for predicting prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients are urgently needed for effective disease management. We reported previously that the multifunctional enzyme Transglutaminase 2 (TGM2) is essential for CRC cell survival by inactivation of the tumor suppressor p53. Based on these data, we determined the clinical relevance of TGM2 expression and explored its potential as prognostic marker and therapeutic target in CRC. We profiled TGM2 protein expression in tumor samples of 279 clinically characterized CRC patients using immunohistochemical staining. TGM2 expression was upregulated in matched tumor samples in comparison to normal tissue. A strong TGM2 expression was associated with advanced tumor stages and predicted worse prognosis regarding progression-free and overall-survival, even at early stages. Inhibition of TGM2 in CRC cell lines by the inhibitors LDN27219 and Tyrphostin resulted in a strong reduction of cancer cell proliferation and tumorsphere formation in vitro by induction of p53-mediated apoptosis. Primary patient-derived tumorsphere formation was significantly reduced by inhibition of TGM2. Treatment of mice with TGM2 inhibitors exhibited a significant deceleration of tumor progression. Our data indicate that high TGM2 expression in CRC is associated with worse prognosis and may serve as a therapeutic target in CRC patients with strong TGM2 expression.

Simultaneous Nbs1 and p53 inactivation in neural progenitors triggers high-grade gliomas.

Nijmegen breakage syndrome (NBS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by hypomorphic mutations of NBS1. NBS1 is a member of the MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 (MRN) complex that binds to DNA double-strand breaks and activates the DNA damage response (DDR). Nbs1 inactivation in neural progenitor cells leads to microcephaly and premature death. Interestingly, p53 homozygous deletion rescues the NBS1-deficient phenotype allowing long-term survival. The objective of this work was to determine whether simultaneous inactivation of Nbs1 and p53 in neural progenitors triggered brain tumorigenesis and if so in which category this tumour could be classified. We generated a mouse model with simultaneous genetic inactivation of Nbs1 and p53 in embryonic neural stem cells and analysed the arising tumours with in-depth molecular analyses including immunohistochemistry, array comparative genomic hybridisation (aCGH), whole exome-sequencing and RNA-sequencing. NBS1/P53-deficient mice develop high-grade gliomas (HGG) arising in the olfactory bulbs and in the cortex along the rostral migratory stream. In-depth molecular analyses using immunohistochemistry, aCGH, whole exome-sequencing and RNA-sequencing revealed striking similarities to paediatric human HGG with shared features with radiation-induced gliomas (RIGs). Our findings show that concomitant inactivation of Nbs1 and p53 in mice promotes HGG with RIG features. This model could be useful for preclinical studies to improve the prognosis of these deadly tumours, but it also highlights the singularity of NBS1 among the other DNA damage response proteins in the aetiology of brain tumours.

C/ebpα represses the oncogenic Runx3-Myc axis in p53-deficient osteosarcoma development.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is characterized by TP53 mutations in humans. In mice, loss of p53 triggers OS development, and osteoprogenitor-specific p53-deleted mice are widely used to study the process of osteosarcomagenesis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the initiation or progression of OS following or parallel to p53 inactivation remain largely unknown. Here, we examined the role of transcription factors involved in adipogenesis (adipo-TFs) in p53-deficient OS and identified a novel tumor suppressive molecular mechanism mediated by C/ebpα. C/ebpα specifically interacts with Runx3, a p53 deficiency-dependent oncogene, and, in the same manner as p53, decreases the activity of the oncogenic axis of OS, Runx3-Myc, by inhibiting Runx3 DNA binding. The identification of a novel molecular role for C/ebpα in p53-deficient osteosarcomagenesis underscores the importance of the Runx-Myc oncogenic axis as a therapeutic target for OS.

Abstract B067: CRM1 inhibitor selinexor induces DNA damage repair-related vulnerability in prostate cancer cells

Abstract Background: Advanced metastatic prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death in men in the United States. Androgen deprivation therapy has been used as a front-line therapy; however, despite initial success, it fails subsequently and results in the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer. Due to these unmet therapeutic needs, there is an urgency to identify novel targets to develop next-generation therapeutics. Chromosome region maintenance 1 (CRM1) is one of the seven members of mammalian export proteins that function to export the proteins using nuclear export signal (NES). Several tumors, including prostate cancer, overexpress CRM1 to efflux tumor suppressor proteins to the cytoplasm and exhibit dysregulated nuclear export. CRM1-mediated export can lead to functional inactivation of p53, cyclinD1, p16, p21, and p27. Essential DNA repair proteins such as Rad51 and BRCA1 exhibit leucine-containing hydrophobic residues rich in NES and are known to be shuttled by CRM1. Based on this, we hypothesize that CRM1 inhibition may affect the expression, kinetics, localization, and stability of DNA repair network proteins. Methods: Androgen receptor-positive and negative prostate cancer cells were treated with Selinexor. The dose of the drug and duration was dependent on the endpoint measurement. Cell death was monitored using MTT assay and western blot measurement of cleaved PARP. Total RNA and cell lysate were collected to measure the relative levels of BRCA-1, RAD51, p53, and other members of the DNA repair pathway (HR and NHEJ). DNA damage was estimated using the number of micronuclei and immunofluorescence staining for γ-H2AX and COMET assay. Results: Selinexor treatment in prostate cancer cells affects the functioning of the DNA repair network and can be combined with inhibitors of DNA repair proteins. Citation Format: Rajendra Kumar, Janet Mendonca, Yuhan Yang, Abhishek Shetty, Lillian Wilson, Kavya Boyapati, Deven Topiwala, Keerti Soundappan, Eleni Panagopoulos, Michael Carducci, Sushant Kachhap. CRM1 inhibitor selinexor induces DNA damage repair-related vulnerability in prostate cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Advances in Prostate Cancer Research; 2023 Mar 15-18; Denver, Colorado. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(11 Suppl):Abstract nr B067.

A phase Ia/Ib, dose-escalation/expansion study of the MDM2–p53 antagonist BI 907828 in patients (pts) with solid tumors: Safety and efficacy in patients with dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS).

11554 Background: Inactivation of p53 is a key mechanism which promotes tumor survival and proliferation. p53 inactivation can be due to mutations in TP53 or downregulation of wild-type (wt) p53 by the key negative regulator mouse double-minute 2 (MDM2). BI 907828 is a highly potent MDM2–p53 antagonist which has demonstrated preclinical antitumor activity, particularly in TP53-wt MDM2-amplified DDLPS models. In this phase I study (NCT03449381), BI 907828 monotherapy is being evaluated in pts with advanced solid tumors, including DDLPS. During dose escalation (phase Ia), BI 907828 had a manageable safety profile and the selected recommended dose for expansion (RDE) was 45 mg q3w. Here we report safety data in all pts who received the RDE of 45 mg q3w and present efficacy data in the subgroup of pts with DDLPS. Methods: In Phase Ia, pts received one of two BI 907828 dosing schedules: Arm A, day 1 of 21-day cycles (q3w); Arm B, days 1 and 8 of 28-day cycles. During Phase Ib (dose expansion), pts were enrolled to Cohort 1 ( TP53wt, MDM2-amplified sarcoma) or Cohort 2 (other TP53wt, MDM2-amplified solid tumors). Here we focus on Cohort 1 (received BI 907828 45 mg q3w). The primary endpoint (phase Ib) was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints/objectives included overall response rate (ORR) and grade ≥3 treatment-related AEs (TRAEs). Results: As of December 22, 2022, a total of 137 pts had been enrolled; 72 (52.6%) were male, 77 (56.2%)/59 (43.1%) had ECOG PS 0/1, and the median number of prior systemic therapies was 2 (range, 0–11). In the 73 pts who received the RDE of 45 mg q3w, the most common any-grade TRAEs were nausea (74.0%) and fatigue (61.6%). 33 (45.2%) pts had grade ≥3 TRAEs; the most common were thrombocytopenia (23.3%), neutropenia (21.9%), anemia (11.0%), and leukopenia (11.0%). 22 (30.1%) pts had TRAEs leading to dose reductions and 6 (8.2%) had TRAEs leading to treatment discontinuation. 20 pts (27.4%) had serious AEs; the most common were nausea, pulmonary embolism (each 4.1%), sepsis, small intestine obstruction, vomiting, thrombocytopenia, and pyrexia (each 2.7%). 50/73 pts who received 45 mg q3w had advanced DDLPS; all had MDM2-amplified disease. Of the 42 evaluable DDLPS pts, 8 achieved a confirmed PR (ORR 19.0%; locally assessed) and a further 29 achieved a best response of stable disease (including 2 with unconfirmed PR), giving a disease control rate of 88.1%. Preliminary median PFS was 8.1 months. Conclusions: BI 907828 demonstrated a manageable safety profile overall and encouraging preliminary efficacy was seen in pts with advanced MDM2-amplified DDLPS; Phase Ib is ongoing. BI 907828 is also being evaluated versus doxorubicin as first-line treatment for pts with advanced DDLPS in the ongoing Phase II/III Brightline-1 study (NCT05218499), for which the FDA has granted a Fast Track Designation. Clinical trial information: NCT03449381 .

Longitudinal mutational analysis of TP53 in plasma circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in patients (pts) with solid tumors in a phase I study of BI 907828, an MDM2–p53 antagonist.

3036 Background: Inactivation of p53 can occur due to TP53 mutations or downregulation of wild-type p53 by its primary negative regulator, MDM2. Targeting the MDM2–p53 interaction may therefore restore p53 function. BI 907828, a highly potent MDM2–p53 antagonist, is being evaluated in a phase Ia/b study in pts with advanced solid tumors (NCT03449381). During dose escalation (phase Ia), BI 907828 demonstrated a manageable safety profile and early signs of efficacy. Here we present data from a longitudinal mutational analysis of TP53 using ctDNA. The objective of the analysis was to identify if mutations in TP53 can be associated with possible acquired resistance to BI 907828. Methods: Collection of blood samples for ctDNA analyses was optional and sampled longitudinally from pts at baseline and every cycle until end of treatment (EoT). ctDNA was purified from plasma and analyzed using tumor-specific next generation sequencing (NGS; custom-made 8-gene panel using KAPA HyperCap technology, including TP53) to identify tumor-derived somatic mutations that may be relevant to understanding resistance mechanisms to BI 907828. The limit of detection was determined to be 0.5% mutant allele frequency; common polymorphisms were filtered out. Results: Plasma samples for ctDNA analysis were available from 44/54 (81%) pts enrolled to phase Ia. Baseline plasma samples from 26/54 (48%) pts and EoT samples from 41/54 (76%) pts were analyzed. Mutations were found in 6/26 (23%) samples at baseline. In 2 pt samples, mutations were found in both tumor and ctDNA, but concordant results were limited to 1 pt. At EoT, no (0) mutations were found in 16/41 (39%) samples, 1 mutation in 11/41 (27%), 2 mutations in 6/41 (15%), 3 mutations in 2/41 (5%) and 4 mutations in 6/41 (15%). No sample had more than 4 mutations. The most frequent mutation at EoT (in 9/41 [22%] samples) was R175H, a known p53 loss of function (LOF) mutation, followed by R248Q/W LOF (in 6/41 [15%) samples). Mutations in non- TP53 genes were detectable independent of TP53 mutation status, suggesting ctDNA was present in all samples. No clear association of induction of mutations could be identified for any BI 907828 dose or dosing schedule, treatment duration, or tumor type. 9/20 (45%) pts with no detectable mutations at baseline maintained wild-type TP53 status at EoT. Signs of efficacy were observed in pts with acquired TP53 LOF mutations, suggesting that these mutations have no effect on efficacy. Analysis of TP53 mutational status at EoT in conjunction with correlative clinical efficacy will be presented. Conclusions: This mutation analysis represents one of the most comprehensive assessments of longitudinal ctDNA by NGS for TP53 from a clinical trial of an MDM2–p53 antagonist. Preliminary data suggest that BI 907828 does not systematically lead to broad acquisition of resistance by inducing alterations in TP53. Clinical trial information: NCT03449381 .

Tumor-intrinsic features associated with progression-free survival (PFS) in patients (pts) with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) treated with idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel).

8035 Background: Ide-cel, a B-cell maturation antigen chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy, has demonstrated frequent, deep, and durable responses in pts with RRMM in the KarMMa (NCT03361748), KarMMa-2 (NCT03601078), and KarMMa-3 (NCT03651128) trials. A previous analysis of KarMMa showed comparable efficacy of ide-cel across molecular high-risk/resistance (HR/R) features such as biallelic p53 inactivation, 1q amplification, t(4;14), and CRBN dysregulation, and identified a baseline gene expression pattern (PC4) associated with PFS (Martin N, et al. Hemasphere 2022;6:(S6):1452). We aim to identify additional genomic features associated with ide-cel efficacy in KarMMa and KarMMa-2, and evaluate samples from KarMMa-3 pts as an independent validation cohort. Methods: Transcriptional and genomic profiles were assessed at baseline in CD138+ cells from bone marrow from pts in KarMMa, KarMMa-2 cohort 1, and KarMMa-3. Gene copy number aberrations were evaluated for associations with response. Analyses were post hoc and exploratory, and a P-value, or false discovery rate (FDR), of < 0.05 was used to identify associations of interest. Results: In evaluable pts in KarMMa (n = 70), single copy number loss was observed at 2 loci that associated with PFS, a broad region across 14q (n = 16) and deletion at 1p31.2 (n = 6). These were generally independent and collectively represented 30% (21/70) of pts. Both were associated with shorter median PFS (mPFS) in KarMMa (cohort mPFS, 8.8 mo, n = 128; Munshi et al. N Engl J Med 2021;384:705-16) after FDR correction (del 14q, mPFS, 4.0 mo; del 1p31.2, mPFS, 2.3 mo). No pt with 1p loss achieved a best overall response (BOR) better than partial response. Pts with loss vs non-loss of 14q had similar BOR distribution, but poorer mPFS within each BOR (10.4 vs 29.7 mo for loss vs non-loss in pts with complete response/stringent complete response). Due to small sample size in KarMMa-2 cohort 1 (n = 18), these data were aggregated with those from KarMMa. When combined, previously described associations with HR/R features were maintained except for biallelic p53 inactivation, which showed a stronger association with shorter PFS in the aggregate dataset (n = 83, P = 0.04) than in KarMMa (n = 65, P = 0.09). KarMMa-3 (n = 210) analysis is ongoing and will be used as a validation cohort for these findings. Consistent trends for the association of the PC4 gene signature with PFS were observed in KarMMa-2 but were not statistically significant and limited by sample size. Conclusions: Two novel genomic HR/R features associated with PFS were identified using samples from KarMMa; validation is ongoing using samples from KarMMa-3. The PC4 gene signature was consistent in 2 RRMM cohorts. A modest association between biallelic p53 disruption and PFS emerged with increased sample size and will be studied in KarMMa-3.

SIRT1 ubiquitination is regulated by opposing activities of APC/C-Cdh1 and AROS during stress-induced premature senescence

SIRT1, a member of the mammalian sirtuin family, is a nicotinamide adenosine dinucleotide (NAD)-dependent deacetylase with key roles in aging-related diseases and cellular senescence. However, the mechanism by which SIRT1 protein homeostasis is controlled under senescent conditions remains elusive. Here, we revealed that SIRT1 protein is significantly downregulated due to ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation during stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS) and that SIRT1 physically associates with anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), a multisubunit E3 ubiquitin ligase. Ubiquitin-dependent SIRT1 degradation is stimulated by the APC/C coactivator Cdh1 and not by the coactivator Cdc20. We found that Cdh1 depletion impaired the SIPS-promoted downregulation of SIRT1 expression and reduced cellular senescence, likely through SIRT1-driven p53 inactivation. In contrast, AROS, a SIRT1 activator, reversed the SIRT1 degradation induced by diverse stressors and antagonized Cdh1 function through competitive interactions with SIRT1. Furthermore, our data indicate opposite roles for Cdh1 and AROS in the epigenetic regulation of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype genes IL-6 and IL-8. Finally, we demonstrated that pinosylvin restores downregulated AROS (and SIRT1) expression levels in bleomycin-induced mouse pulmonary senescent tissue while repressing bleomycin-promoted Cdh1 expression. Overall, our study provides the first evidence of the reciprocal regulation of SIRT1 stability by APC/C-Cdh1 and AROS during stress-induced premature senescence, and our findings suggest pinosylvin as a potential senolytic agent for pulmonary fibrosis.

The Detection of Inactivated p53 Protein by a Biosensor

P53 is a gene that closely correlates with human tumors. In this paper, we explore how various biology techniquescan be applied to detect the malfunction of p53. Firstly, we insert the GFP gene, as correctly translated p53 proteinwill undergo fluorescence. Secondly, we apply artificial enzymes such as an antibody, and the structure of functionalp53 protein differs from those that are incorrectly translated. The enzyme can detect this as its active site matches thestructure of the functional p53 protein. Lastly, we aim to detect not the p53 protein but its side product. Caspase 3 is theone we will target to find. In this paper, we carefully compare and contrast these three methods, and the choice shouldalways be considere with different experimental conditions. The detection using GFP should be the best method amongthe rest, as it gives a visually accessible result, is also easy, and can produce the result very quickly.

Genetic heterogeneity in p53-null leukemia increases transiently with spindle assembly checkpoint inhibition and is not rescued by p53.

Chromosome gains or losses often lead to copy number variations (CNV) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH). Both quantities are low in hematologic "liquid" cancers versus solid tumors in data of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) that also shows the fraction of a genome affected by LOH is ~ one-half of that with CNV. Suspension cultures of p53-null THP-1 leukemia-derived cells conform to these trends, despite novel evidence here of genetic heterogeneity and transiently elevated CNV after perturbation. Single-cell DNAseq indeed reveals at least 8 distinct THP-1 aneuploid clones with further intra-clonal variation, suggesting ongoing genetic evolution. Importantly, acute inhibition of the mitotic spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) produces CNV levels that are typical of high-CNV solid tumors, with subsequent cell death and down-selection to novel CNV. Pan-cancer analyses show p53 inactivation associates with aneuploidy, but leukemias exhibit a weaker trend even though p53 inactivation correlates with poor survival. Overexpression of p53 in THP-1 does not rescue established aneuploidy or LOH but slightly increases cell death under oxidative or confinement stress, and triggers p21, a key p53 target, but without affecting net growth. Our results suggest that factors other than p53 exert stronger pressures against aneuploidy in liquid cancers, and identifying such CNV suppressors could be useful across liquid and solid tumor types.

Targeting the p53 signaling pathway in cancers: Molecular mechanisms and clinical studies.

Tumor suppressor p53 can transcriptionally activate downstream genes in response to stress, and then regulate the cell cycle, DNA repair, metabolism, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and other biological responses. p53 has seven functional domains and 12 splice isoforms, and different domains and subtypes play different roles. The activation and inactivation of p53 are finely regulated and are associated with phosphorylation/acetylation modification and ubiquitination modification, respectively. Abnormal activation of p53 is closely related to the occurrence and development of cancer. While targeted therapy of the p53 signaling pathway is still in its early stages and only a few drugs or treatments have entered clinical trials, the development of new drugs and ongoing clinical trials are expected to lead to the widespread use of p53 signaling-targeted therapy in cancer treatment in the future. TRIAP1 is a novel p53 downstream inhibitor of apoptosis. TRIAP1 is the homolog of yeast mitochondrial intermembrane protein MDM35, which can play a tumor-promoting role by blocking the mitochondria-dependent apoptosis pathway. This work provides a systematic overview of recent basic research and clinical progress in the p53 signaling pathway and proposes that TRIAP1 is an important therapeutic target downstream of p53 signaling.

Impact of supraphysiologic MDM2 expression on chromatin networks and therapeutic responses in sarcoma

Amplification of MDM2 on supernumerary chromosomes is a common mechanism of P53 inactivation across tumors. Here, we investigated the impact of MDM2 overexpression on chromatin, gene expression, and cellular phenotypes in liposarcoma. Three independent regulatory circuits predominate in aggressive, dedifferentiated tumors. RUNX and AP-1 family transcription factors bind mesenchymal gene enhancers. P53 and MDM2 co-occupy enhancers and promoters associated with P53 signaling. When highly expressed, MDM2 also binds thousands of P53-independent growth and stress response genes, whose promoters engage in multi-way topological interactions. Overexpressed MDM2 concentrates within nuclear foci that co-localize with PML and YY1 and could also contribute to P53-independent phenotypes associated with supraphysiologic MDM2. Importantly, we observe striking cell-to-cell variability in MDM2 copy number and expression in tumors and models. Whereas liposarcoma cells are generally sensitive to MDM2 inhibitors and their combination with pro-apoptotic drugs, MDM2-high cells tolerate them and may underlie the poor clinical efficacy of these agents.

P53 at the Crossroads between Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity and Resistance: A Nutritional Balancing Act.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a highly effective chemotherapeutic drug, but its long-term use can cause cardiotoxicity and drug resistance. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that p53 is directly involved in DOX toxicity and resistance. One of the primary causes for DOX resistance is the mutation or inactivation of p53. Moreover, because the non-specific activation of p53 caused by DOX can kill non-cancerous cells, p53 is a popular target for reducing toxicity. However, the reduction in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) via p53 suppression is often at odds with the antitumor advantages of p53 reactivation. Therefore, in order to increase the effectiveness of DOX, there is an urgent need to explore p53-targeted anticancer strategies owing to the complex regulatory network and polymorphisms of the p53 gene. In this review, we summarize the role and potential mechanisms of p53 in DIC and resistance. Furthermore, we focus on the advances and challenges in applying dietary nutrients, natural products, and other pharmacological strategies to overcome DOX-induced chemoresistance and cardiotoxicity. Lastly, we present potential therapeutic strategies to address key issues in order to provide new ideas for increasing the clinical use of DOX and improving its anticancer benefits.

Low dose Taxol ameliorated renal fibrosis in mice with diabetic kidney disease by downregulation of HIPK2.

Our previous studies reported that low-dose paclitaxel (Taxol) ameliorated renal fibrosis in the unilateral ureteral obstruction and remnant kidney models. However, the regulatory role of Taxol in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is still unclear. Herein, we observed that low-dose Taxol attenuated high glucose-increased expression of fibronectin, collagen I and collagen IV in Boston University mouse proximal tubule cells. Mechanistically, Taxol suppressed the expression of homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2) via disrupting the binding of Smad3 to HIPK2 promoter region, and consequently inhibited the activation of p53. Besides, Taxol ameliorated RF in Streptozotocin mice and db/db-induced DKD via suppression of Smad3/HIPK2 axis as well as inactivation of p53. Altogether, these results suggest that Taxol can block Smad3-HIPK2/p53 axis, thereby attenuating the progression of DKD. Hence, Taxol is a promising therapeutic drug for DKD.

Diet suppresses glioblastoma initiation in mice by maintaining quiescence of mutation-bearing neural stem cells.

Glioblastoma is thought to originate from neural stem cells (NSCs) of the subventricular zone that acquire genetic alterations. In the adult brain, NSCs are largely quiescent, suggesting that deregulation of quiescence maintenance may be a prerequisite for tumor initiation. Although inactivation of the tumor suppressor p53 is a frequent event in gliomagenesis, whether or how it affects quiescent NSCs (qNSCs) remains unclear. Here, we show that p53 maintains quiescence by inducing fatty-acid oxidation (FAO) and that acute p53 deletion in qNSCs results in their premature activation to a proliferative state. Mechanistically, this occurs through direct transcriptional induction of PPARGC1a, which in turn activates PPARα to upregulate FAO genes. Dietary supplementation with fish oil containing omega-3 fatty acids, natural PPARα ligands, fully restores quiescence of p53-deficient NSCs and delays tumor initiation in a glioblastoma mouse model. Thus, diet can silence glioblastoma driver mutations, with important implications for cancer prevention.