Role of p53 Tumor Suppressor in Mitochondrial Apoptosis

Abstract

The p53 tumor suppressor plays an important role in controlling gene expression, cell growth and apoptosis. Mutation of p53 has been found in more than 50% of cancers, suggesting its role in cancer development. P53 induces the expression of a variety of apoptosis inducing proteins, some of which are located in mitochondria. In addition to its nuclear localization, p53 is also found in the mitochondria and translocates from the nucleus to this organelle during apoptosis. P53 appears to play a homeostatic role of mitochondrial biogenesis, function and apoptosis. P53 physically associates with a mitochondrial protein WOX1 (WW domain oxidoreductase). Without WOX1, the p53 apoptotic function is impaired. This review discusses the functional significance of p53 and WOX1 in mitochondrial apoptosis.