Study progress of p73 gene in digestive system carcinoma

: p73 gene is a new member of the tumor suppressor gene p53 family. They are similar in the structure and function of the coding protein, but they also have notable distinctions in other aspects. Many studies have shown that the abnormal p73 gene is associated with neuroblastoma, malignant melanoma, prostatic carcinoma, and lung cancer, et al. Recently, many studies have demonstrated that p73 gene may involve the occurrence and development of a portion of the digestive system carcinoma. This review summarized the present conditions of the p73 gene and its correlation with the occurrence, development, prognosis, and expression in the digestive system carcinoma. We suggested that the further study about the p73 gene may be helpful to recognize the nature of the carcinoma and bring wish to overcome it finally.