P53 and microRNAs in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

There has been considerable progress in characterising chronic lymphocytic leukemia with respect to the underlying biology and the corresponding clinical presentation. Most patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia live for years without the need for therapy. This does not hold true for patients that exhibit inactivation of the tumour suppressor p53 or, possibly, its pathway members. Deletions of chromosome 17p and mutations of TP53 are the main characteristic of aggressive and refractory disease. In this review we will outline the current understanding of mechanisms known to contribute to dysfunctional p53 and its connection to microRNAs.