Wild‐type p53 functions as a tumour suppressor while mutant p53 possesses oncogenic potential. Until now it remains unclear how a single mutation can transform p53 into a functionally distinct gene harbouring a new set of original cellular roles. Here we show that the most common p53 cancer mutants express a larger number and higher levels of shorter p53 protein isoforms that are translated from the mutated full‐length p53 mRNA. Cells expressing mutant p53 exhibit “gain‐of‐function” cancer phenotypes, such as enhanced cell survival, proliferation, invasion and adhesion, altered mammary tissue architecture and invasive cell structures. Interestingly, Δ160p53‐overexpressing cells behave in a similar manner. In contrast, an exogenous or endogenous mutant p53 that fails to express Δ160p53 due to specific mutations or antisense knock‐down loses pro‐oncogenic potential. Our data support a model in which “gain‐of‐function” phenotypes induced by p53 mutations depend on the shorter p53 isoforms. As a conserved wild‐type isoform, Δ160p53 has evolved during millions of years. We thus provide a rational explanation for the origin of the tumour‐promoting functions of p53 mutations. Synopsis Wild‐type p53 functions as a tumour suppressor while mutant p53 functions as an oncogene. This study suggests that this switch depends on Δ160p53, the most conserved isoform of p53, which is overexpressed in p53 mutant cells and thereby promotes oncogenesis. Cells carrying p53 mutations overexpress shorter p53 isoforms. The Δ160p53 isoform possesses pro‐oncogenic potential similar to mutant p53. “Gain‐of‐function” cancer phenotypes induced by mutant p53 depend on the expression of short p53 isoforms.

The E3 ligase Mdm2 is a key regulator of p53 activity via a complex regulatory feedback system that involves all levels of expression control including transcription, mRNA translation and protein degradation. Best known is the effect of p53 on Mdm2 transcription and the capacity of Mdm2 to target p53 for degradation, but more recently the role of Mdm2 as a positive regulator of p53 activity has also started to emerge. Mdm2 stimulates p53 mRNA translation by binding the p53 mRNA and, interestingly, this interaction also suppresses Mdm2’s capacity to promote p53 polyubiquitination and degradation. Another interesting aspect of the p53 mRNA-Mdm2 interaction is that the p53 mRNA sequence encoding the amino acids which bind the N-terminus of Mdm2 is the same that interacts with the Mdm2 RING domain. Indeed, the regulatory elements for controlling Mdm2-dependent expression of p53 are derived from the same p53 genomic sequence. In addition, the RNA binding and the E3 ligase domain of Mdm2 overlap, indicating th...

Partial degradation or regulated ubiquitin proteasome-dependent processing by the 26 S proteasome has been demonstrated, but the underlying molecular mechanisms and the prevalence of this phenomenon remain obscure. Here we show that the Gly-Ala repeat (GAr) sequence of EBNA1 affects processing of substrates via the ubiquitin-dependent degradation pathway in a substrate- and position-specific fashion. GAr-mediated increase in stability of proteins targeted for degradation via the 26 S proteasome was associated with a fraction of the substrates being partially processed and the release of the free GAr. The GAr did not cause a problem for the proteolytic activity of the proteasome, and its fusion to the N terminus of p53 resulted in an increase in the rate of degradation of the entire chimera. Interestingly the GAr had little effect on the stability of EBNA1 protein itself, and targeting EBNA1 for 26 S proteasome-dependent degradation led to its complete degradation. Taken together, our data suggest a model in which the GAr prevents degradation or promotes endoproteolytic processing of substrates targeted for the 26 S proteasome by interfering with the initiation step of substrate unfolding. These results will help to further understand the underlying mechanisms for partial proteasome-dependent degradation.