Implications of TP53 Gene Mutations in Myelodysplastic Syndromes: A Review

TP53 is a tumor suppressor gene that has come to be known as the Guardian of the Genome. Mutations in this tumor suppressor are found in at least half of all cancers. P53 plays a role in arresting the cell cycle and inducing apoptosis; it can be activated through a variety of means such as genotoxic stress, dysfunctional telomeres, oncogenic signaling, abnormal microtubules, ribosome biogenesis, and a variety of other modes. TP53 mutations are less frequently found in myelodysplastic syndromes; however, knowledge of TP53 mutations can more accurately predict a patient’s outcome. In general, mutations in TP53 correlate to a poor outcome and higher incidence of transformation to acute myeloid leukemia in patients with isolated del5q or a complex karyotype.