High apoptotic threshold mediates p53 dependent decision between arrest and apoptosis

In response to stress, the p53 tumor suppressor induces arrest or apoptosis by transcriptionally regulating genes that mediate these processes. It has been proposed that the levels of p53 can influence the choice between these different outcomes, but the mechanisms involved are not clear. To gain mechanistic understanding of this p53-dependent cell fate decision, we generated a p53 inducible system that allowed tight regulation of p53 expression in human mammary epithelial cells.

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