Oncogenic gain of function due to p53 amyloids occurs through aberrant alteration of cell cycle and proliferation

Transcription factor p53 (also known as TP53) has been shown to aggregate into cytoplasmic and nuclear inclusions, compromising its native tumor suppressive functions. Recently, p53 has been shown to form amyloids, which play a role in conferring cancerous properties to cells, leading to tumorigenesis. However, the exact pathways involved in p53 amyloid-mediated cellular transformations are unknown. Here, using an in cellulo model of full-length p53 amyloid formation, we demonstrate the mechanism of loss of p53 tumor-suppressive function with concomitant oncogenic gain of functions. Global gene expression profiling of cells suggests that p53 amyloid formation dysregulates genes associated with the cell cycle, proliferation, apoptosis and senescence along with major signaling pathways. This is further supported by a proteome analysis, showing a significant alteration in levels of p53 target proteins and enhanced metabolism, which enables the survival of cells. Our data indicate that specifically targeting the key molecules in pathways affected by p53 amyloid formation, such as cyclin-dependent kinase-1, leads to loss of the oncogenic phenotype and induces apoptosis of cells. Overall, our work establishes the mechanism of the transformation of cells due to p53 amyloids leading to cancer pathogenesis. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.