p53 Family members p63 and p73 are SAM domain‐containing proteins

Abstract
Homologs of the tumor suppressor p53, called p63 and p73, have been identified. The p63 and p73 family members possess a domain structure similar to p53, but contain variable C‐terminal extensions. We find that some of the C‐terminal extensions contain Sterile Alpha Motif (SAM) domains. SAM domains are protein modules that are involved in protein‐protein interactions. Consistent with this role, the C‐terminal SAM domains of the p63 and p73 may regulate function by recruiting other protein effectors.