Regulation of cancer redox metabolism by mutant p53.

The tumor suppressor protein p53 is an often-mutated transcriptional factor in metastatic malignancies. The mutations result in the protein acquiring new oncogenic capabilities and/or losing canonical suppressor functions, either way contributing to cancer growth and resistance to conventional radio- and chemo-therapy. In addition, p53 mutations are linked to processes involved in tumor proliferation and metastasis, as well as in the regulation of redox (prooxidant/antioxidant) metabolism. The present review examines the regulatory role of different p53 mutations on redox metabolism within metastatic tumor cells, aiming to elucidate whether redox metabolism may be a suitable biomarker and promising drug target for novel therapeutic strategies.