P53 p63 p73 family
Family of tumor suppressor genes
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The p53 p63 p73 family is a family of tumor suppressor genes.[1][2]
This gene family encodes the proteins:
- p53 (encoded by the human TP53 gene)
- p63 (encoded by the human TP63 gene)
- p73 (encoded by the human TP73 gene)
They are sometimes considered part of a "p53 family." When overexpressed, these proteins are known to be involved in tumor pathogenesis.[3]
Evolution
p53, p63, and p73 have similar features in their gene structures and functions but have also diverged evolutionarily. The p53 family evolved from an ancestor gene in unicellular life.[4] The ancestor gene functioned in germ line DNA protection early invertebrates.[5] In invertebrates, the ancestor gene resembled p63/p73 as it contained the sterile alpha motif (SAM) domain.[6] p53 diverged from p63/p73 with a gene duplication in the cartilaginous fish.[7] p63 and p73 differentiated from each other in bony fish.[7] In vertebrates, p53 began the role of protecting the somatic cells and acting as a tumor suppressor.[8][7]