Wednesday, 30 May 2012

What is p73?


This blog focuses on the how structural changes in the p73 DNA-binding domain regulate p73 activity (see Figure 1).
P73 proteins are part of the p53 protein superfamily. The members of this family are transcription factors involved in various processes such as cell cycle, apoptosis, pheromonal sensing, chromosome stability, neurogenesis and inflammation.
Recent findings show a controversial role of p73 in cancer. On one hand it acts as a tumour suppressor, as it induces apoptosis of DNA damaged cells. On the other hand, Np73, a p73 isoform lacking the transactivation domain, acts as an oncogene by blocking p73-induced apoptosis. Click here to learn more.
The p73 transcriptional activation is a multistep process involving DNA binding, oligomerization, recruitment of transcriptional machinery, transcription initiation and elongation.
Figure 1: a monomer of the p73 DNA binding domain


Techniques
  • DNA microarrays were used to scan a DNA library for genes of which p73 is a transcriptional activator

1 comment:

  1. Really easy to read layout. I like what you've done with the side bar. The background could do with some work but you've intermixed text and diagrams extremely well. Top marks

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