p53; from inductive signal to cellular effect.

During the past year, the story of how p53 suppresses carcinogenesis has increased in complexity. Further insight has been provided into the activation of latent p53, the biochemical mechanisms involved in growth arrest and apoptosis, and the influence of various signals on these cellular effects. Additionally, roles for p53 have been described in cell senescence, in suppressing teratogenesis, and in processes that may directly contribute to the maintenance of genomic stability.