The role of P63 in cancer, stem cells and cancer stem cells

• Published in: Cellular & molecular biology letters 2011-06, Vol.16 (2), p.296-327
• Main Authors: Nekulova, Marta, Holcakova, Jitka, Coates, Philip, Vojtesek, Borivoj
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Cancer; Humans; Mice; Neoplasms - metabolism; Neoplastic Stem Cells - metabolism; p53 family; p63; Protein Isoforms - genetics; Protein Isoforms - metabolism; Protein Isoforms - physiology; Review; Stem cells; Stem Cells - metabolism; TAp63; Transcription Factors - genetics; Transcription Factors - metabolism; Transcription Factors - physiology; Tumor Suppressor Proteins - genetics; Tumor Suppressor Proteins - metabolism; Tumor Suppressor Proteins - physiology; ΔNp63
• ISSN: 1689-1392; 1425-8153; 1689-1392
• DOI: 10.2478/s11658-011-0009-9

The transcription factor p63 has important functions in tumorigenesis, epidermal differentiation and stem cell self-renewal. The TP63 gene encodes multiple protein isoforms that have different or even antagonistic roles in these processes. The balance of p63 isoforms, together with the presence or absence of the other p53 family members, p73 and p53, has a striking biological impact. There is increasing evidence that interactions between p53-family members, whether cooperative or antagonistic, are involved in various cell processes. This review summarizes the current understanding of the role of p63 in tumorigenesis, metastasis, cell migration and senescence. In particular, recent data indicate important roles in adult stem cell and cancer stem cell regulation and in the response of cancer cells to therapy.