P53 plays a role in mesenchymal differentiation programs, in a cell fate dependent manner.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The tumor suppressor p53 is an important regulator that controls various cellular networks, including cell differentiation. Interestingly, some studies suggest that p53 facilitates cell differentiation, whereas others claim that it suppresses differentiation. Therefore, it is critical to evaluate whether this inconsistency represents an authentic differential p53 activity manifested in the various differentiation programs.

Methodology/principal findings

To clarify this important issue, we conducted a comparative study of several mesenchymal differentiation programs. The effects of p53 knockdown or enhanced activity were analyzed in mouse and human mesenchymal cells, representing various stages of several differentiation programs. We found that p53 down-regulated t

SUBMITTER: Molchadsky A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2577894 | biostudies-literature | 2008

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature