Figure 1.

Role and regulatory mechanism of p53 in the inflammatory tumor microenvironment. p53 is regulated by inflammation and inhibits the generation and maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSCs). In the absence of p53 functions, enhanced inflammatory reactions cause cells to be continuously exposed to inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, resulting in accumulation of DNA damage induced by oxidative stress and enhanced energy metabolism. These conditions might cause reprogramming of the cells to facilitate the production of CSCs, tumor development, and metastasis.