Brefeldin A: the advantage of being uncompetitive

Article Abstract:

Brefeldin A is a toxin that can wreak havoc on mammalian cells. Within minutes, the toxin causes the Golgi complex to disassemble and redistribute into the endoplasmic reticulum. This collapse of the Golgi apparatus is believed to be caused by the inhibition of exchange factors linked to the ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF). While the molecular mechanism of Brefeldin A's action is not known, it is theorized to be due to the trapping of the exchange reaction in a dead-end complex. Further research could prove to be very useful in the development of drugs that target other small G proteins.

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Lonely no more: p53 finds its kin in a tumor suppressor haven

Article Abstract:

It was assumed that a p53 pivotal tumor suppressor gene family does not exist. However a novel gene has been described with similar structure and function to that of p53. The p73 gene may also be tumor suppressor gene, encoding two distinct polypeptides. P73 could also be a sequence-specific transactivator, requiring oligomerization, and may regulate genes partly overlapping those targeted by p53.

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Opposing effects of Ras on p53: transcriptional activation of mdm2 and induction of p19(sup)ARF

Article Abstract:

Regulation of p53 tumor suppressor gene is discussed in the contexts of the Mdm2 and Ras genes which show opposing effects on p53. Research reveals that the Ras-driven Raf/MEK/MAP kinase pathway suppresses p53 during tumor development through Raf's activation of the Mdm2's inhibitor p19(sup)ARF.

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