Codon 104 variation of p53 gene provides adaptive apoptotic responses to extreme environments in mammals of the Tibet plateau

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1320369110
• Publication Date: 2013-12-03T04:57:30Z
• Authors: Yang Zhao; Ji-Long Ren; Ming-Yang Wang; Sheng-Ting Zhang; Yu Liu; Min Li; Yi-Bin Cao; Hu-Yue Zu; Xiao-Cheng Chen; Chung-I Wu; Eviatar Nevo; Xue-Qun Chen; Ji-Zeng Du
• Keywords: Transcriptional Activation; 0303 health sciences; Arvicolinae; Apoptosis; 15. Life on land; Tibet; Adaptation, Physiological; Cold Temperature; Evolution, Molecular; 03 medical and health sciences; Stress, Physiological; Animals; Humans; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; Hypoxia

Significance This work explores the environmental correlates of variations in codon 104 p53 gene three mammalian species: two subterranean mammals, highland- and lowland-dwelling wild zokors ( Myospalax baileyi cansus , respectively), one highland-dwelling aboveground species, root vole Microtus oeconomus ). In 104E variation suppresses apoptotic reactivation cell apoptosis. contrast, M . codon104N is responsible for transactivation genes under stresses—hypoxia, hypercapnia (acidic stress, high CO 2 ), cold temperature—that characterize its ecological niche Tibet plateau. We conclude that nature adapted structure function accordance with specific stresses.