Role of TAp73α in induction of apoptosis by transforming growth factor-β in gastric cancer cells

Abstract

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is implicated as a tumor suppressor because it eliminates cancer cells from normal tissues by inhibiting cell growth and inducing apoptosis. Although p53 tumor suppressor is required for TGF-β-induced p21WAF1 expression and cell growth inhibition, its role in TGF-β-induced apoptosis remains unclear. Here, we report that TAp73α, which is a member of the p53 family, binds to p53-binding sites in the promoters of proapoptotic Bax and Puma to activate their transcription, and mediates TGF-β-induced apoptosis in gastric cancer cells. Our findings reveal a novel role of TAp73α in the induction of apoptosis by TGF-β in cancer cells. © 2008 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.