Pirh2 (p53-induced RING-H2) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that can target p53 for degradation and thereby repress a diverse group of biological activities regulated by p53. Notably, Pirh2, rather than MDM2, is the primary degrader of active p53 under conditions of DNA damage. Moreover, Pirh2 is highly expressed in multiple cancer cell lines regardless of p53 status. Recent research has shown that Pirh2 is involved in many signalling pathways related to the genesis and evolution of cancer. This review aims to summarize a comprehensive picture of the role of Pirh2 in cellular processes and its significance to tumorigenesis. Furthermore, this review focuses on its potential role as a cancer therapeutic target.
© 2011 Japanese Cancer Association.