Dual role of p53 amyloid formation in cancer; loss of function and gain of toxicity

► P53 can undergo conformational transitions leading to amyloid formation. ► P53 forms soluble oligomers and amyloid fibrils that cannot bind to DNA. ► Detection of p53 oligomers and fibrils in human cases of basal cell carcinoma. ► P53 amyloid-oligomers promote cell death in basal cell carcinoma. ► P53 amyloid formation has a dual role in the pathogenesis of cancer.