Figure 1.

Incorporating information of both the inherited and somatic genetics of the p53 gene could further define patient populations in their abilities to respond to certain therapies. (A) Some studies suggest that cells from individuals with the proline (Pro) allele of p53 codon72 will undergo less apoptosis in response to DNA-damage-inducing therapies compared with individuals with the arginine (Arg) allele of p53 codon72. This has been suggested to be caused by less transcriptional activation of apoptotic effectors. (B) Other studies suggest that cancer cells with somatic p53 mutations from individuals with the proline (Pro) allele of p53 codon72 will undergo more apoptosis in response to DNA-damage-inducing therapies compared with individuals with the arginine (Arg) allele of p53 codon72. This has been suggested to be potentially because of an enhanced inhibition of the p73 tumor suppressor by mtp53-codon72-Arg.