Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UNIPROT:P04637 (p53)
 77,613 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Defects in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) are associated with a predisposition to tumorigenesis and with drug resistance owing to high mutation rates and failure to engage DNA-damage-induced apoptosis. DNA minor groove binders (MGBs) are a class of anticancer agents highly effective in a variety of human cancers. Owing to their mode of action, DNA MGB-induced DNA damage may be a substrate for DNA MMR. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of loss of MMR on the sensitivity to brostallicin (PNU-166196), a novel synthetic alpha-bromoacrylic, second-generation DNA MGB currently in Phase II clinical trials and structurally related to distamycin A. Brostallicin activity was compared to a benzoyl mustard derivative of distamycin A (tallimustine). We report that the sensitivities of MLH1-deficient and -proficient HCT116 human colon carcinoma cells were comparable after treatment with brostallicin, while tallimustine resulted in a three times lower cytotoxicity in MLH1-deficient than in -proficient cells. MSH2-deficient HEC59 parental endometrial adenocarcinoma cells were as sensitive as the proficient HEC59+ch2 cells after brostallicin treatment, but were 1.8-fold resistant after tallimustine treatment as compared to the MSH2-proficient HEC59+ch2 counterpart. In addition, p53-deficient mouse fibroblasts lacking PMS2 were as sensitive to brostallicin as PMS2-proficient cells, but were 1.6-fold resistant to tallimustine. Loss of neither ATM nor DNA-PK affected sensitivity to brostallicin in p53-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts, indicating that brostallicin-induced cytotoxicity in a p53-deficient genetic background does not seem to require these kinases. These data show that, unlike other DNA MGBs, MMR-deficient cells retain their sensitivity to this new alpha-bromoacrylic derivative, indicating that brostallicin-induced cytotoxicity does not depend on functional DNA MMR. Since DNA MMR deficiency is common in numerous types of tumours, brostallicin potentially offers the advantage of being effective against MMR-defective tumours that are refractory to several anticancer agents.
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PMID:Brostallicin (PNU-166196)--a new DNA minor groove binder that retains sensitivity in DNA mismatch repair-deficient tumour cells. 1456 32

BRAF, a serine/threonine kinase of the RAF family, is a downstream transducer of the RAS-regulated MAPK pathway and signals upstream of MEK1/2 kinases. Recently, activating mutations within BRAF have been reported in a high percentage of melanomas and colorectal carcinomas and shown to have oncogenic capabilities. Further, their association to mismatch-repair-deficient tumors has suggested the involvement of the RAS/RAF pathway in the tumorigenesis of microsatellite-unstable colon cancers, and that RAS and RAF mutations are alternative genetic events. We determined whether colorectal mismatch-repair-deficient tumors with BRAF mutations show a specific genotype when compared with tumors with wild-type BRAF, and whether they can be associated with a particular clinicopathological feature. Here, we report a striking association of BRAF, but not of APC, KRAS2, AXIN2, and TP53 mutations, with proximal mismatch-repair-deficient colon tumors and MLH1 hypermethylation. Our results support the hypothesis that proximal and distal colorectal tumors with mismatch repair deficiency harbor different genetic alterations, and we suggest that the involvement of the RAS/RAF pathway in colorectal tumorigenesis is differentially modulated according to tumor location and MLH1 inactivation.
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PMID:Activated BRAF targets proximal colon tumors with mismatch repair deficiency and MLH1 inactivation. 1469 93

A case-control study of Filipino patients who underwent surgical resection for colorectal cancer (CRC) during a 1-year period was undertaken. Thirty-five patients under age 40 years were identified. Paraffin blocks of these and 35 randomly selected patients over age 40 underwent histologic and immunohistochemical evaluation. Markers chosen for evaluation included the apoptosis-associated gene products (p53 and bcl-2), a tumor proliferation activity-related factor (Ki-67), and the markers (MLH1 and MSH2) of DNA microsatellite instability (MSI). Results were correlated with age and the stage and location of the tumor. The average age of the early-onset group was 30.7 years compared to the late-onset group at 67.0 years; and the male/female ratio was equivalent. The younger patients had a significantly higher Dukes' stage, the tumors were more poorly differentiated, and they were more frequently of the mucinous and signet ring cell histopathologic type. Expression of p53 was higher in the younger patients ( p < 0.001) and was independent of the degree of differentiation or the stage of the tumor. No differences of expression were noted for the other markers measured. The increased frequency of CRC in Filipino patients less than 40 years of age offers a unique opportunity to gain a better understanding of carcinogenesis, which might be exploited during diagnosis and management. The differences noted between the early- and late-onset CRC are provocative and provide an impetus for increased screening in Filipinos.
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PMID:Clinical and molecular biologic characteristics of early-onset versus late-onset colorectal carcinoma in Filipinos. 1470 47

Micro-satellite instability (MSI) is relevant in the management of colorectal cancers (CRC) and relies on analysis of gene mutations, or production of the proteins involved in DNA mismatch repair (e.g. MLH1, MSH2). p53 mutation is also relevant in MSI, but high-level CRC (MSI-H) demonstrate fewer mutations than low-level (MSI-L) or stable (MSS) cancers. Recently, the importance of gene activity (transcription) in MSI has been identified, where rather than being mutated genes have been downregulated. In this study, 67 sporadic CRC and eight samples of normal bowel were analysed for MSI status (by SSCP) and levels of MLH1, MSH2 and p53 gene transcription (by RT-PCR and scanning densitometry). Micro-satellite instability correlated with gender and site, with more MSI-H CRC in females (P<0.02) and in the right colon (P<0.04). In MSI-H, p53 transcription was markedly reduced (P<0.003). Compared to normal bowel, MLH1 transcription was elevated in all cancers (P<0.01), while MSH2 transcription was elevated only in MSI-H (P<0.04). There was a direct correlation between MLH1 and MSH2 transcription (P<0.001). Although fewer mutations are reported in MSI-H than MSI-L/MSS, these results suggest that reduced p53 transcription might account for decreased tumour suppression in MSI-H. The direct correlation between MLH1 and MSH2 transcription suggests that control of these genes might be coordinated.
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PMID:Activity (transcription) of the genes for MLH1, MSH2 and p53 in sporadic colorectal tumours with micro-satellite instability. 1513 86

The hereditary predisposition to cancer dates historically to interest piqued by physicians as well as family members wherein striking phenotypic features were shown to cluster in families, inclusive of the rather grotesque cutaneous findings in von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis, which date back to the sixteenth century. The search for the role of primary genetic factors was heralded by studies at the infrahuman level, particularly on laboratory mouse strains with strong susceptibility to carcinogen-induced cancer, and conversely, with resistance to the same carcinogens. These studies, developed in the 19th and 20th centuries, continue today. This article traces the historical aspects of hereditary cancer dealing with identification and ultimate molecular genetic confirmation of commonly occurring cancers, particularly of the colon in the case of familial adenomatous polyposis and its attenuated form, both due to the APC germline mutation; the Lynch syndrome due to mutations in mismatch repair genes, the most common of which were found to be MSH2, MLH1, and MSH6 germline mutations; the hereditary breast-ovarian cancer syndrome with BRCA1 and BRCA2 germline mutations; the Li-Fraumeni (SBLA) syndrome due to the p53 mutation; and the familial atypical multiple mole melanoma in association with pancreatic cancer due to the CDKN2A (p16) germline mutation. These and other hereditary cancer syndromes have been discussed in some detail relevant to their characterization, which, for many conditions, took place in the late 18th century and, in the more modern molecular genetic era, during the past two decades. Emphasis has been placed upon the manner in which improved cancer control will emanate from these discoveries.
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PMID:Inherited predisposition to cancer: a historical overview. 1526 68

We utilized the high-throughput tissue microarray method to characterize immunohistochemical expression patterns with correlations to prognosis in rectal cancer. Immunostaining for the markers Ki-67, Bcl-2, p53, EGFR, E-cadherin, beta-catenin, MLH1 and MSH2 was performed in 269 rectal cancers. Expression profiles were correlated to metastasis-free survival. Immunostaining revealed frequent upregulation and/or aberrant staining patterns for several of the markers, but Ki-67, p53, Bcl-2 and EGFR did not show any correlation to prognosis. However, reduced membranous staining for beta-catenin (p = 0.04), lack of cytoplasmic staining for beta-catenin (p = 0.04), reduced membranous staining for E-cadherin (p = 0.02) and lack of cytoplasmic staining for E-cadherin (p = 0.02) correlated with metastatic disease. Multivariate analysis including the factors Dukes' stage and tumor differentiation grade demonstrated increased risk of metastatic disease in tumors with lack of cytoplasmic staining for beta-catenin (HR = 3.1, p = 0.02), reduced membranous staining for beta-catenin (HR = 1.7, p = 0.06) and reduced membranous staining for E-cadherin (HR = 2.1, p = 0.06). Loss of MMR protein expression was confirmed to be a rare event in rectal cancer with loss of MLH1 staining in 3% and MSH2 in 1% of the tumors. The lack of prognostic information contributed by most of these markers suggests that single markers for prognosis may be of limited value in rectal cancer. However, altered expression of beta-catenin and E-cadherin correlated with metastatic disease, and these markers may have prognostic importance in rectal cancer.
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PMID:Immunohistochemical patterns in rectal cancer: application of tissue microarray with prognostic correlations. 1530 Aug 4

During a cellular screening of thiocolchicine analogs, thiocolchicine dimers resulted particularly active in cisplatin-resistant A2780-CIS cells. In order to discover by which mechanism(s) thiocolchicine dimers overcame cisplatin resistance, p53, p21waf1 and MLH1 were assessed by Western blot. Results pointed out that, when combined with cisplatin, dimers increased the amount of all the three proteins with respect to the levels obtained by single drug exposure, thereby suggesting an interference in the process of repair of the cisplatin-induced DNA lesions. Moreover, in isolated nuclei drugs were able to produce DNA breaks, as demonstrated by Comet assay, thereby proving that the compounds were able to target cell nucleus independently from microtubules. Since Topo-I (topoisomerase I) is directly involved in the DNA repair and such activity is overexpressed in cisplatin-resistant cells, Topo-I was investigated as a potential target. Using DNA relaxation assay, thiocolchicine dimers inhibited Topo-I, a property not shared by thiocolchicine. At variance with camptothecin, dimers did not produce cleavable complexes, thereby indicating that Topo-I inhibition occurs upstream of the religation step. To assess the mechanism of inhibition, an electrophoretic mobility shift assay between DNA and Topo-I was performed and revealed that thiocolchicine dimers specifically interfere with binding of Topo-I to DNA. The interference is specific since the same compounds did not modulate DNase activity and did not act as intercalating agents in the DNA unwinding assay. Finally, behaviour of dimers as spindle poisons was investigated and no relevant changes with respect to thiocolchicine in terms of interaction with microtubules were found.
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PMID:Thiocolchicine dimers: a novel class of topoisomerase-I inhibitors. 1558 20

The ability to determine the global location of transcription factor binding sites in vivo is important for a comprehensive understanding of gene regulation in human cells. We have developed a technology, called serial analysis of binding elements (SABE), involving subtractive hybridization of chromatin immunoprecipitation-enriched DNA fragments followed by the generation and analysis of concatamerized sequence tags. We applied the SABE technology to search for p53 target genes in the human genome, and have identified several previously described p53 targets in addition to numerous potentially novel targets, including the DNA mismatch repair genes MLH1 and PMS2. Both of these genes were determined to be responsive to DNA damage and p53 activation in normal human fibroblasts, and have p53-response elements within their first intron. These two genes may serve as a sensor in DNA repair mechanisms and a critical determinant for the decision between cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. These results also demonstrate the potential for use of SABE as a broadly applicable means to globally identify regulatory elements for human transcription factors in vivo.
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PMID:Identification of the mismatch repair genes PMS2 and MLH1 as p53 target genes by using serial analysis of binding elements. 1578 65

Chromium(VI) is a toxic and carcinogenic metal that causes the formation of DNA phosphate-based adducts. Cr-DNA adducts are genotoxic in human cells, although they do not block replication in vitro. Here, we report that induction of cytotoxicity in Cr(VI)-treated human colon cells and mouse embryonic fibroblasts requires the presence of all major mismatch repair (MMR) proteins. Cr-DNA adducts lost their ability to block replication of Cr-modified plasmids in human colon cells lacking MLH1 protein. The presence of functional mismatch repair caused induction of p53-independent apoptosis associated with activation of caspases 2 and 7. Processing of Cr-DNA damage by mismatch repair resulted in the extensive formation of gamma-H2AX foci in G(2) phase, indicating generation of double-stranded breaks as secondary toxic lesions. Induction of gamma-H2AX foci was observed at 6 to 12 h postexposure, which was followed by activation of apoptosis in the absence of significant G(2) arrest. Our results demonstrate that mismatch repair system triggers toxic responses to Cr-DNA backbone modifications through stress mechanisms that are significantly different from those for other forms of DNA damage. Selection for Cr(VI) resistant, MMR-deficient cells may explain the very high frequency of lung cancers with microsatellite instability among chromate workers.
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PMID:Mismatch repair proteins are activators of toxic responses to chromium-DNA damage. 1583 65

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy which affects women. In 5-10% of all cases, breast cancer presents as a hereditary cancer syndrome. Since 1996, 68 families with suspicion of familial breast cancer have been referred to our department. In 5 of the 68 families (7.4%), the clinical diagnosis was hereditary breast ovarian cancer syndrome. In 17 families (25%), two or more breast cancer cases were present. Mutation screening of BRCA1 and BRCA2 in these families revealed a BRCA1 mutation (185delAG) in one family. Three families (4.4%) had a diagnosis of Li-Fraumeni syndrome and germline mutations in TP53 (Lys292Ile, Pro278Ser and Pro278Thr). Breast cancer occurred in a family with hereditary nonpolyposis colon carcinoma (HNPCC; Lynch syndrome) carrying an MLH1 mutation (IVS17-3G>C). Most of our families (41 families; 60.2%) had only one case with breast cancer or cystic adenoma (or both) and did not need counseling and DNA testing. In summary, in 10 of the 68 families in our series (14.7%), a germline mutation in a breast cancer predisposing gene was detected. Our data show the importance of detailed examination of clinical data, pedigree analyses, and molecular germline diagnostics for the counseling of breast cancer cases.
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PMID:Hereditary breast cancer syndromes in a Turkish population. Results of molecular germline analysis. 1599 73


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