The p53 network and its control via MDM2 inhibitors: insights from a dynamic model

The p53 gene plays a critical role in the cell´s response to DNA damage. In this paper we propose a new dynamic model of p53 activation in response to a particular type of damage (double strand brakes), known to be the most important kind of lesion through which ionizing radiation induces cancer and hereditary diseases. Then we try to sum up the main features of this network resulting from experimental observations and use the model to show the correlation that exists between the periodic behavior of this system and its healthy operation. Finally, we apply the model to study the mechanism of action of a particular class of drugs which offer a new interesting research perspective to cancer therapy