The oncosuppressor p53 represents a key factor involved in maintaining cellular homeostasis and physiological cell growth. Following a genotoxic stress which leads to DNA damage, the p53 protein is stabilized, activated, and in turn transcriptionally activates (but not only) a plethora of genes involved in downstream signalling pathways (in particular, cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, apoptosis, authophagy, senescence). Most cancers known to have a poor and adverse prognosis are characterized by the inactivation of the p53 function, due to mutations in the gene (with the consequent translation of an unfunctional protein) or to alterations to the downstream networks (which are lacking one or more transcripts normally activated by p53).
As for the p53 protein, and its sisters proteins p63 and p73, they are very important for the correct proliferation of healthy cells. In contrast to p53, their expression levels are altered in several tumors and rarely the proteins themselves are mutated.
In recent years, it is increasingly the idea that an important role in maintaining cellular homeostasis is acted by the regulatory RNAs, such as microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Their role is often in contrast to each other; lncRNAs act as “sponges” in order to interfere with the activity of oncogenic microRNAs by impeding them to target and inhibit the expression of their target transcripts. However, it is also well documented oncogenic lncRNAs almost always act as the competing RNAs.
The functional relationship between the p53 family network and regulatory RNAs represent an increasing way of research findings. It is also an important source of information as it can help develop medical diagnoses and new therapies including synthesizing molecular drugs in order to counteract tumor progression and chemoresistance (the lack of response to traditional conventional therapies) and chemotherapeutic drugs.
In this regard, we would like to welcome original research articles and review articles into uncovering more of this functional relationship, and how this can feed into our ever-expanding knowledge of developing new medical diagnoses and therapies to counteract tumor progression and chemoresistance.
All manuscripts submitted to this Article Collection will undergo desk assessment and peer-review as part of our standard editorial process. Guest Advisors will not be involved in peer-reviewing manuscripts unless they are an existing member of the Editorial Board.
Please review the journal scope and author submission instructions prior to submitting a manuscript.
The deadline for submitting manuscripts is 30th November 2023.
