Beginnings: p53
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So, what is a p53 exactly?
The human p53, also known as Tumour Protein 53 (TP53) is a protein that is composed of 393 amino acid residues and four identical protein chains bound to a central protein domain.
In addition to the central DNA binding domain, the human p53 is composed of the following domains:
a) A N-terminal transactivation domain
b) A proline rich domain
c) A C-terminal regulatory domain
d) A nuclear localization signal area
e) A nuclear export signal area
You can find an interactive 3D model of p53 with all its domains and a targeted section of DNA embedded here. Feel free to play around with it!
The study of the p53 structure has been difficult as the protein does not crystallize normally, making data obtained from x-ray crystallography unsatisfactory. Instead, the human p53 has been studied in parts by removing the protein chains and individually analysing and studying the stable domains.
Fun/Kind of Sad Fact: It has been observed that 60% of the cases of human lung cancers consist of mutations in p53.
Animesh Dali | DePauw University
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