Protein-protein interactions of ASPP2: an emerging therapeutic target

The pro-apoptotic ASPP2 protein plays a central role in regulating apoptosis in both p53-dependent and p53-independent pathways. It has become clear in recent years that ASPP2 plays also a role in other important cellular processes like senescence and regulating cell polarity. ASPP2 interacts with numerous proteins in order to exert its pro-apoptotic effect while some other proteins inhibit its pro-apoptotic activity. These interactions are emerging potential targets for activation or inhibition. Drugs that activate ASPP2 may not only induce apoptosis of cancer cells, but also affect other disease-related cellular pathways. Here we review the interactions of ASPP2 with its partner proteins and their potential targeting for drug development.