p53 tagged posts

Pcl1 gene

Trinity College Dublin Scientists have identified a novel target that could help to identify ‘cancer stem cells’ while they are in their inactive state. The scientists could then jolt these cells into action so that they could be eliminated by 3radio or chemotherapeutic approaches.

The team discovered that a specific protein (PCL1) kicks a famous cancer-associated protein (p53) into action in our bodies. The p53 protein suspends cells in a dormant, non-dividing state = ‘quiescence’. When cells are in this state, they are much harder to target therapeutically.
Blocking PCL1 should set a chain of events in motion that will cause cancer cells to leave the cover of quiescence so that they can be targeted and eliminated.

Assistant Professor in Medical Molecular Genetics at Trinity, Dr...

Images showing the difference in the prevalence of p53 in the oral tissue of a 28-year-old (left) and a 74-year-old (right). Credit: Dr. Reuben Kim

UCLA researchers have found that a protein that serves as a suppressor of cancer diminishes in skin and mouth epithelial cells as the human body ages. Dr. No-Hee Park, UCLA School of Dentistry dean and his team have been studying p53, tumor suppressor protein, “guardian of the genome” involved in DNA repair, cell cycle regulation and cellular deterioration.

“Looking at ways to maintain levels of p53 as one ages may provide a therapeutic clue to preventing cancer development,” said Park. Previous studies have shown p53 accumulates in large quantities as connective tissue cells, called fibroblasts, age and stop dividing...