The DNA-binding domain of the tumor suppressor p53 is inactivated by mutation in approximately 50% of human cancers. We have solved high-resolution crystal structures of several oncogenic mutants to investigate the structural basis of inactivation and provide information for designing drugs that may rescue inactivated mutants ...
The DNA-binding domain of the tumor suppressor p53 is inactivated by mutation in approximately 50% of human cancers. We have solved high-resolution crystal structures of several oncogenic mutants to investigate the structural basis of inactivation and provide information for designing drugs that may rescue inactivated mutants. We found a variety of structural consequences upon mutation: (i) the removal of an essential contact with DNA, (ii) creation of large, water-accessible crevices or hydrophobic internal cavities with no other structural changes but with a large loss of thermodynamic stability, (iii) distortion of the DNA-binding surface, and (iv) alterations to surfaces not directly involved in DNA binding but involved in domain-domain interactions on binding as a tetramer. These findings explain differences in functional properties and associated phenotypes (e.g., temperature sensitivity). Some mutants have the potential of being rescued by a generic stabilizing drug. In addition, a mutation-induced crevice is a potential target site for a mutant-selective stabilizing drug.
Related Citations:
Crystal Structure of a Superstable Mutant of Human P53 Core Domain. Insights Into the Mechanism of Rescuing Oncogenic Mutations. Joerger, A.C., Allen, M.D., Fersht, A.R. (2004) J Biol Chem 279: 1291
Structures of P53 Cancer Mutants and Mechanism of Rescue by Second-Site Suppressor Mutations. Joerger, A.C., Ang, H.C., Veprintsev, D.B., Blair, C.M., Fersht, A.R. (2005) J Biol Chem 280: 16030
Organizational Affiliation:
Cambridge University Chemical Laboratory and Cambridge Centre for Protein Engineering, Medical Research Council Centre, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QH, United Kingdom.
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