MDM-2/p53

The MDM2-p53 interaction is critical in the regulation of the cell cycle and apoptosis. MDM2 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that negatively regulates p53, a crucial tumor suppressor protein known as the "guardian of the genome." MDM2 binds to p53, leading to its degradation and preventing it from executing its role in DNA repair and apoptosis, processes essential for preventing cancer development. Overexpression of MDM2 is common in various cancers, resulting in decreased p53 activity and increased cell survival and proliferation. Targeting the MDM2-p53 interaction has become a promising strategy for cancer therapy, aiming to inhibit MDM2 and thereby restore p53 function, inducing tumor cell death and halting tumor growth.