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Cell's fight against cancer revealed

A University of Southern California-led research group used X-ray crystallography to study the struggle between LTag, a cancer-causing protein, and p53, a key tumor suppressor. The study found that LTag inhibits p53's role by tying up six molecules, but p53 fights back by preventing virus replication.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 31, 2006

Viral oncoprotein inactivation of p53

A team of scientists led by Dr. Xiaojiang Chen have uncovered the molecular mechanism behind how a viral oncoprotein inactivates p53. The study reveals that the viral protein binds to p53, causing a conformational change that prevents it from binding to DNA and thus abolishes its tumor-suppressing function.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 31, 2006

Novel function of APC

The APC tumor suppressor has a novel function in regulating Wnt signaling in the nucleus. In this new study, researchers demonstrate that APC opposes beta-catenin activity directly at Wnt target genes. The findings suggest that full-length APC protein is necessary to repress c-Myc gene expression and prevent colon cancer progression.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateFeb 28, 2006