Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (10): 2503-2514.doi: 10.12307/2026.612

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The role of p53 in musculoskeletal diseases

Du Yanli1, 2, Wang Yi1, 2, Wang Zhenyu2, Wang Xuanhui1, 2, Li Xinye1, 2, Xiong Xifeng3, Miao Haixiong1, 2   

  1. 1First Clinical Medical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, Guangdong Province, China; 2Department of Orthopedics, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510220, Guangdong Province, China; 3Guangzhou Institute of Traumatic Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510220, Guangdong Province, China
  • Received:2025-02-12 Accepted:2025-06-20 Online:2026-04-08 Published:2025-08-29
  • Contact: Miao Haixiong, MD, Chief physician, Master’s supervisor, First Clinical Medical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, Guangdong Province, China; Department of Orthopedics, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510220, Guangdong Province, China Co-corresponding author: Xiong Xifeng, MD, Associate researcher, Guangzhou Institute of Traumatic Surgery, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510220, Guangdong Province, China
  • About author:Du Yanli, First Clinical Medical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, Guangdong Province, China; Department of Orthopedics, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510220, Guangdong Province, China Wang Yi, First Clinical Medical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, Guangdong Province, China; Department of Orthopedics, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510220, Guangdong Province, China Du Yanli and Wang Yi contributed equally to this work.
  • Supported by:
    the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 81902802 (to XXF); Guangzhou Science and Technology Program – City and University Joint Project, No. 2023A03J0571 (to MHX); Guangzhou Science and Technology Program, No. 202201010020 (to XXF)

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The p53 gene is a key tumor suppressor gene that was initially extensively studied for its central roles in cell cycle regulation, DNA repair, and apoptosis. In recent years, studies have shown that p53 also plays important roles in the pathogenesis of musculoskeletal diseases. Abnormal expression and dysfunction of p53 are considered important factors in the development and progression of these diseases. However, the specific mechanisms and clinical translation potential of p53 have not yet been systematically elucidated.
OBJECTIVE: To comprehensively summarize the multiple roles of p53 in musculoskeletal diseases, analyze the molecular mechanisms by which p53 influences disease progression, and evaluate its potential as a therapeutic target across these diseases.
METHODS: PubMed was searched for literature published from January 2004 to December 2024 using the keywords of “P53, osteoporosis, post-menopausal osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, degenerative arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, low back pains, low back ache, back pain, scoliosis” in English. We included original studies, reviews, and clinical trials while excluding non-English articles and studies unrelated to the mechanisms of interest. A total of 81 articles were ultimately selected for comprehensive analysis.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: p53 is involved in the occurrence and development of musculoskeletal diseases through mechanisms such as regulating the balance of bone formation and resorption (e.g., the p53-Nedd4-Runx2 axis), chondrocyte apoptosis (e.g., the miR-34a-SIRT1-p53 pathway), inflammatory mediators (e.g., tumor necrosis factor-α/interleukin-6), and oxidative stress (e.g., the p53-SLC2A9 axis). Its dual roles (pro-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory) suggest the need for precise regulation of p53 activity. Intervention strategies based on gene editing (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9), small-molecule inhibitors (e.g., PFT-α), and natural products (e.g., naringin) show therapeutic potential, but further clinical validation is needed. In the future, it is necessary to combine multidisciplinary approaches to deepen p53 mechanism research and clinical practice.


Key words: p53, musculoskeletal diseases, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lower back pain, gout, scoliosis

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