p53-mediated lysosome–mitochondria apoptosis signaling pathway (null)

The p53-mediated lysosome–mitochondria apoptosis signaling pathway describes a sequence of molecular events by which the tumor suppressor protein p53 initiates programmed cell death. Upon cellular stress (such as DNA damage), p53 activation causes destabilization of lysosomal membranes, releasing proteases that damage mitochondria. Subsequent mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization leads to the release of apoptogenic factors such as cytochrome c, eventually activating caspases and leading to apoptosis. This pathway plays a major role in tumor suppression by eliminating damaged or potentially cancerous cells. In cancer, dysregulation of p53 or components of this pathway frequently leads to resistance to cell death and tumor progression.

Other names

p53-induced lysosomal-mitochondrial pathwayp53-dependent lysosomal pathway of apoptosis

Not applicable to the pathway as a whole, but drugs that induce p53 activity (by causing DNA damage) can trigger this pathway, leading to cell death via lysosomal destabilization and mitochondrial permeabilization.