Straathof, Elianne (2026) Targeting p53 Aggregation: Therapeutic strategies in Cancer. Bachelor's Thesis, Biology.
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Abstract
The aggregation tendency of the tumour suppressor p53 has been widely studied, and increasing evidence shows that p53 aggregation occurs across multiple cancer types, including lung, ovarian, and breast cancers. This review evaluates the therapeutic relevance of p53 aggregation by summarising its molecular basis, functional consequences, and potential intervention strategies. p53 aggregation is strongly linked to oncogenic mutations, most frequently within aggregation-prone regions of the DNA-binding domain. These mutations destabilise the native protein conformation, promoting β-sheet-rich, amyloid-like structures. Aggregated p53 can cause loss-of-function effects by impairing nuclear import or DNA binding, thereby suppressing tumour-protective gene transcription. Conversely, gain-of-function effects arise when aggregated p53 promotes oncogenic signalling and cell proliferation. Certain aggregation states also induce direct cytotoxicity, shifting p53 aggregation from a tumour-promoting to a tumour-limiting process. Current evidence suggests that small molecules and peptide-based aggregation inhibitors can restore p53 function and sensitise cancer cells to cell death, representing promising therapeutic strategies.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor's Thesis) |
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| Supervisor name: | Mauthe, M. |
| Degree programme: | Biology |
| Thesis type: | Bachelor's Thesis |
| Language: | English |
| Date Deposited: | 20 Jan 2026 09:38 |
| Last Modified: | 20 Jan 2026 09:38 |
| URI: | https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/37213 |
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