P-201: The Role of P53 Family Members in Infertility

Background: P53, p63, and p73 transcription factors which are belong to The p53 family, are conserved during evolution. They have important roles in many molecular and cellular functions, including tumor suppression, the development of epithelial cell layers, and the development of central nervous system and immune system. Studies show these molecules also have role in maintaining the genomic integrity of germ cells and help faithful development and reproduction. Embryonic implantation are regulated by p53 through transcriptional regulation of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), a cytokine crucial for blastocyst implantation. TAp63 regulates cell cycles in female germ cells during meiotic arrest and protect them. TAp73 is regulator of function in ovary and oocytes. In this article we have reviewed studies regarding role of these molecules in male and female fertility and gathered their results in order to gain a better understanding of relationship of these molecules and fertility success. Materials and Methods: We have conducted a thorough literature search using search engines in the medical databases and collected the data and research results regarding these molecules and fertility. We focused on polymorphisms, mutations in genes of these protein, expression patterns of the proteins and interactions with each other, and they have been evaluated to elucidate whether these variations are involved in the infertility. Results: There are polymorphisms and mutations in these genes that may alter expression of them and may have role in human fertility. These variations may affect maturation of egg, normal mitosis in the developing blastocyst and Embryonic implantation. Conclusion: To clarify the functions of The p53 family molecules, future studies need to investigate the polymorphisms in these genes and protein levels, and examine the role of these proteins in human fertility success. Understanding functions of the p53 family proteins and their variations may lead to new strategies for infertility treatment.