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

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
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1320369110 Publication Date: 2013-12-03T04:57:30Z
ABSTRACT
Significance This work explores the environmental correlates of variations in codon 104 of the p53 gene in three mammalian species: two subterranean mammals, highland- and lowland-dwelling wild zokors ( Myospalax baileyi and Myospalax cansus , respectively), and one highland-dwelling aboveground species, the root vole ( Microtus oeconomus ). In Microtus oeconomus the codon 104E variation in p53 suppresses apoptotic gene reactivation and cell apoptosis. In contrast, in M . baileyi the codon104N variation is responsible for the transactivation of apoptotic genes under three environmental stresses—hypoxia, hypercapnia (acidic stress, high CO 2 ), and cold temperature—that characterize its ecological niche in the Tibet plateau. We conclude that p53 in nature is adapted in structure and function in accordance with specific ecological stresses.
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