Cytoplasmic sequestration of the tumor suppressor p53 by a heat shock protein 70 family member, mortalin, in human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines

► Eight human colorectal cell lines were evaluated for p53 and mortalin localization. ► Six cell lines displayed cytoplasmic sequestration of the tumor suppressor p53. ► Direct interaction between mortalin and p53 was shown in five cell lines. ► Cell lines positive for p53 sequestration yielded elevated p53 expression levels. ► This study yields the first evidence of cytoplasmic sequestration p53 by mortalin.