The tumor suppressor gene p53 is one of the molecular target in cancer cells. But surprisingly in some cancers it is mutated (not able to control cell cycle), but in some cancers it is suppressed by oncogenes(wild). Can anyone suggest me to differentiate this status of p53 in cancer cells?
Ideally, one needs to sequence the p53 gene in cancer cells to be sure whether the gene is mutated or not and whether the mutation is likely to result in functional inactivation of p53. However, levels of p53 protein in cancer cells reflect its functional status. Often, the increased levels of p53 in cancer cells are associated with the functional inactivation of p53. Furher, treatment of cells with functional p53 with DNA-damaging agents results in increased expression of p53 target genes.
P53 checks G1 CYCLE point. By cell cycle arrest we can confirm it's function. It also activates P21. So knock out mice of P53 or mutated form also u can understand it's functional activity.
Dear Rajesh,
I completly agree with the Mr. Divaker. he is an expert in molecular biology and cell signaling.
I agree that sequencing is one of the earliest approach to examine the p53 mutation in cancer cells. But the late stage is to evaluate its functionality using for example apoptosis or autophagy inducer and examine if they can be activated or not (for example PUMA, NOXA, DRAM).
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