PMID: 17015838 , Related PDB ids: 2J1W, 2J1X, 2J1Y, 2J1Z, 2J20, 2J21
Authors:
Joerger AC, Ang HC, Fersht AR
Title:
Structural basis for understanding oncogenic p53 mutations and designing rescue drugs.
Journal:
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2006 Oct 10;103(41):15056-61. Epub 2006 Oct 2.
Abstract:
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.