Research Karen Vousden

1 research

1.1 human papillomaviruses
1.2 p53 suppressor protein
1.3 key publications

research
human papillomaviruses

vousden s work focused on molecular biology of human papillomaviruses (hpvs), associated cervical cancer. douglas lowy , others, pinpointed specific viral oncoproteins required hpv-16 immortalise epithelial cells. part of group showed e6, 1 of hpv-16 oncoproteins, binds human tumour suppressor protein p53 in vivo, resulting in degradation.

p53 suppressor protein

vousden s recent research has centred on p53. called guardian of genome , p53 plays critical role in preventing development of tumours inducing cells subject stress, such dna damage, commit suicide via apoptosis mechanism. vousden s work has been important in delineating mechanism of process. katsunori nakano, discovered key component in apoptosis pathway triggered p53, protein puma (p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis).

structure of mdm2

to prevent being activated inappropriately, p53 strictly controlled in normal cell. vousden discovered key element in regulation protein mdm2. allan weissman , others, showed mdm2 ubiquitin ligase targets p53 degradation proteasome, ensuring levels of protein remain low when cell not under stress.

reactivating p53 can inhibit growth of tumours, making mdm2 attractive target cancer therapeutics. mdm2 targets small number of proteins destruction, inhibitor might have few side effects. major focus of vousden s recent work has been investigating structure of mdm2 , seeking molecules inhibit it; group of low-molecular-weight compounds (discovered in collaboration department of chemistry @ university of glasgow) have shown promise in cell-culture studies. mdm2 inhibitors have been discovered researchers @ hoffmann–la roche , karolinska institute.

p53 can prevent or repair minor damage genome under conditions of low stress. vousden s group have discovered novel p53-regulated protein, tigar (t-p53 inducible glycolysis , apoptosis regulator), can reduce oxidative stress in cells , might mediate part of effect of p53.

key publications