Overview:

14-3-3 sigma or stratifin is a protein that is strongly induced by gamma irradiation and other DNA-damaging agents (1). The induction of 14-3-3 sigma is mediated by a p53 responsive element. Exogenous introduction of 14-3-3 sigma into cycling cells results in a G2 cell cycle arrest (2). Knockout of 14-3-3 sigma in cells showed that the cells are unable to maintain cell cycle arrest after DNA damage. The 14-3-3sigma -/- cells die as they enter mitosis. This process is associated with a failure of the 14-3-3sigma-deficient cells to sequester the proteins that initiate mitosis and prevent them from entering the nucleus. Thus, 14-3-3 sigma plays an important role in maintaining the G2 checkpoint in cells and preventing mitotic death.

Gene Aliases:

14-3-3 sigma, SFN, stratifin, YWHAS

Genbank Number:

NM_006142

References:

1. Chan, T A. et al: 14-3-3-sigma is required to prevent mitotic catastrophe after DNA damage. Nature 401: 616-620, 1999.

2. Hermeking, H. et al: 14-3-3-sigma is a p53-regulated inhibitor of G2/M progression. Molec. Cell 1: 3-11, 1997.