The in vivo function of TIGAR, a p53 target gene that regulates glucose metabolism

Cheung, E., Lee, P., Berkers, C., Blyth, K. , Sansom, O. and Vousden, K. (2014) The in vivo function of TIGAR, a p53 target gene that regulates glucose metabolism. Cancer and Metabolism, 2, P15. (doi: 10.1186/2049-3002-2-S1-P15) (PMCID:PMC4072993)

Abstract

The p53 tumour suppressor inhibits tumour development via various mechanisms such as apoptosis, inhibition of proliferation or the activation of senescence. Recently, several studies have indicated a novel role of p53 in the regulation of energy metabolism. Previously we have discovered TIGAR, a p53 target gene that acts as a fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase. TIGAR would therefore be predicted to redirect glucose from the glycolytic pathway to secondary pathways such as the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). Indeed, TIGAR can promote NADPH production to generate reduced glutathione for protection against ROS. In order to understand the function of TIGAR in vivo, we generated TIGAR deficient mice. We have determined a critical role of TIGAR in rapidly proliferating tissue, either for repair after damage or during tumor development. These studies support a role for TIGAR in maintaining both antioxidant activity and nucleotide synthesis, both generated through the PPP. We are now also investigating the role of TIGAR in other metabolic pathways such as the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway, and in other animal models of cancer.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Blyth, Professor Karen and Cheung, Mr Eric and Berkers, Dr Celia and Vousden, Karen and Sansom, Professor Owen
• Authors: Cheung, E., Lee, P., Berkers, C., Blyth, K., Sansom, O., and Vousden, K.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
• Journal Name: Cancer and Metabolism
• Publisher: BioMed Central
• ISSN: 2049-3002
• ISSN (Online): 2049-3002
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2014 Cheung et al.
• First Published: First published in Cancer and Metabolism 2: P15
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License