Unifying the p73 knockout phenotypes: TAp73 orchestrates multiciliogenesis

Abstract

Multiciliogenesis is essential for the function of different epithelia, and its failure results in brain defects, respiratory diseases, and infertility. In this issue of Genes & Development, Nemajerova and colleagues (pp. 1300– 1312) reveal the p53 family member and p73 isoform TAp73 as a transcription factor dictating the differentiation of multiciliated cells. Their findings provide the long-awaited unifying explanation for the diverse phenotypes of the p73 knockout mice.