P53 gene: major mutations in neoplasias and anticancer gene therapy

Abstract

The p53 gene encodes a protein that has molecular weight of 53kD and is also called p53 protein, being constantly studied for its classic concept of “genome guardian”. This gene plays a range of essential functions to ensure the cell cycle control, in addition to playing a central role in carcinogenesis. With respect to neoplasias, it prevents the neoplastic transformation through three intricate mechanisms. Depending on the extent of the mutation, different responses may be sent by p53 and those range since the disruption of the cell cycle, the correction of the mutation through the activation of repair proteins or still, the induction of senescence or cell death by apoptosis. This review aims to address the structural and functional aspects of the p53 gene and protein, and also reaffirm their participation in the carcinogenesis control, approaching their major mutations and the anticancer gene therapy involving this gene. Key words: mutations, neoplasia, gene therapy, p53.