Medizinische Universität Graz - Research portal
Selected Publication:
Toferer, S.
The role of p53 in the process of aging
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Graz Medical University; 2019. pp. 64
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- Authors Med Uni Graz:
- Advisor:
- Prokesch Andreas
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- Abstract:
- The protein p53 is very well known as a tumor suppressor and recent evidence suggests that it is also involved in the process of aging and longevity. As transcription factor, p53 regulates cellular stress responses, mainly through target gene activation. This thesis focuses on p53 in relation to the hallmarks of cellular aging. Interestingly, p53 is involved in all nine identified cellular aging hallmarks: genomic instability, mitochondrial dysfunction, telomere shortening, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, deregulated nutrient-sensing and altered intercellular communication. The interplay of p53, caloric restriction, and autophagy as an anti-aging tool spanning all species is also discussed. Furthermore, the dispute if p53 is a pro-aging or anti- aging factor will be highlighted, mainly with evidence coming from various mouse models. In conclusion, p53 can be pro-aging or anti-aging, depending on the context. It seems to act as pro-aging molecule when constitutively active or deregulated, while it might have anti-aging functions when aiding down-regulation of nutrient sensing pathways.