New insights into p53 functions through its target microRNAs

Abstract

The tumor suppressor p53 pathway, whose alterations are highly associated with all types of human cancers, plays an essential role in preventing tumor development and progression mostly through itsdownstream target genes.Over the last decade, a growing list of p53 microRNA (miRNA) targets has been identified as additional downstreamplayers of this pathway. Further studies of these miRNAs have revealed their more complicated regulations and functions in executing and/or regulating p53 activity. Here,we review the p53 miRNA targets identified thus far, and discusshowthey fine-tune p53 stress responses, mediate the crosstalk between p53 and other signaling pathways, and expand the role of p53 in other human diseases in addition to cancers. © 2014 The Author (2014). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Journal of Molecular Cell Biology, IBCB, SIBS, CAS. All rights reserved.