Mortalin-p53 interaction as a target for liver cancer therapy

Abstract

Mortalin is a member of Hsp70 family that exhibits a tight correlation with carcinogenesis. It has been shown to inactivate tumor suppressor protein p53. The present chapter reviews the history and presents information of mortalin, p53 and how their interaction contributes to carcinogenesis. It is demonstrated that mortalin-p53 interaction that is a cancer-driving event depends on the stress state of cells. The small molecules and short peptides that were able to block this interaction could induce apoptosis in cancer cells that harbour mutant p53 suggesting that mortalin-p53 is a good target for cancer therapy. Understanding of the molecular regulation of mortalin-p53 interaction and their role in highly malignant cells will help designing better strategies for cancer treatment.