The Oxidative Stress Response Gene P66SHCand the Tumor Suppressor Gene P53 Induce Mitochondrial Dna Damages

. The p66 gene regulates the oxidative stress response and life span in mammals (1). The p53 gene regulates various cellular responses to environmental stresses, particularly those inducing DNA damage, such as cell cycle arrest, nuclear DNA repair, senescence and apoptosis (2-3). Both p66 and p53 increase the intracellular concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS), measured by DCFDA staining of wt and -/PEFs counterparts (our man. in prep). Oxidative stress is considered the principal proximal mechanism of ageing in mammals and lower organisms (4). ROS are also responsible for nuclear DNA mutagenesis and tumor formation.