Progress on p73 variant and its possible application in tumor radiotherapy

p73 was the first identified homologue of the tumor suppressor gene, p53. p73 has two groups of protein isoforms: TAp73 and DNp73. TAp73 can induce cell cycle arrest, resulting in the ability of apoptosis, however DNp73 has antagonistic property of a tumor promoting effect. In this paper, the dual roles of p73 gene and its research progress was reviewed. Finally, combined with heavy ion treatment of tumor, we explored some new ideas of p73-heavy ion joint therapy. (authors)