The Y-box-binding protein, YB1, is a potential negative regulator of the p53 tumor suppressor

J Biol Chem. 2003 Sep 12;278(37):35516-23. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M303920200. Epub 2003 Jun 30.

Abstract

The p53 tumor suppressor plays a major role in preventing tumor development by transactivating genes to remove or repair potentially tumorigenic cells. Here we show that the Y-box-binding protein, YB1, acts as a negative regulator of p53. Using reporter assays we show that YB1 represses transcription of the p53 promoter in a sequence-specific manner. We also show that YB1 reduces endogenous levels of p53, which in turn reduces p53 activity. Conversely, inhibiting YB1 in a variety of tumor cell lines induces p53 activity, resulting in significant apoptosis via a p53-dependent pathway. These data suggest that YB1 may, in some situations, protect cells from p53-mediated apoptosis, indicating that YB1 may be a good target for the development of new therapeutics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / genetics
  • Apoptosis / physiology*
  • CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Proteins / physiology*
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / physiology
  • Gene Expression Regulation / physiology*
  • Genes, p53 / genetics*
  • Humans
  • NFI Transcription Factors
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Rats
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Repressor Proteins / genetics*
  • Repressor Proteins / physiology
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Transcription Factors / physiology
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • Transfection
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured
  • Y-Box-Binding Protein 1

Substances

  • CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Proteins
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • NFI Transcription Factors
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Repressor Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • Y-Box-Binding Protein 1
  • YBX1 protein, human
  • Ybx1 protein, rat