Regulation of p53 localization

Despite intensive study of p53, the regulation of p53 cellular localization is still poorly understood. This is an overview of the elements and molecules involved in p53 nucleocytoplasmic transportation. These include the nuclear import and export signals of p53, inhibition of p53 nuclear import and export by oligomerization, MDM2-mediated p53 nuclear export, and possible roles of p53 phosphorylation in regulating p53 cellular localization. Finally, questions regarding p53 cellular trafficking will also be discussed.