The eukaryote genome constantly faces the threat of damage from exogenous and endogenous mutagens. Mammalian cells, therefore, have evolved an intricate network of defenses to maintain genomic stability. p53 is at the crossroads of these defense pathways. We investigate rare genomic instability and/or premature aging diseases, e.g., Bloom, Werner, Rothmund-Thomson, and Li-Fraumeni Syndromes, to gain insight into p53 function in the general population. For example, BLM helicase facilitates Mus81 endonuclease activity in human cells and p53 governs this interaction. p53-mediated apoptosis is also modulated by the human RecQ family of DNA helicases. p53 also facillitates DNA repair pathways. We have also discovered transcriptional cofactors of p53, i.e., ING2-5, that enhance p53 effector functions in cell cycle checkpoints, apoptosis, and senescence. We are continuing to study p53-mediated replicative senescence modulated by either ING family proteins or by POT1 and WRN that govern telomere attrition.
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