p73基因是抑癌基因p53家族新成员,因其可表达两种相互独立而又密切相关的蛋白质TAp73和△TAp73,故在基因功能上存在两面性的特点。TAp73类似于p53,诱导细胞凋亡和抑制肿瘤发生;而△TAp73反过来抑制TAp73表达,缩小凋亡反应,促进肿瘤生长。p73在肿瘤中以过表达为主,可能与△TAp73扮演癌基因角色有关。 The p73 gene is a new member of the p53 family of tumor suppressor genes. Because of its ability to express two closely related and closely related proteins, namely, TAp73 and △ TAp73, it has the dual nature of gene function. TAp73 is similar to p53, inducing apoptosis and inhibiting tumorigenesis; while △ TAp73 in turn inhibits TAp73 expression, reduces the apoptotic response and promotes tumor growth. p73 is mainly overexpressed in tumors, which may be related to the role of △ TAp73 in oncogene.