Formation of stable p53 homotetramers and multiples of tetramers

Abstract
We have used gradient gel electrophoresis and chemical cross‐linking to analyze the quaternary structure of purified, wild‐type, murine p53. Under nondenaturing conditions, p53 electrophoreses as tetramers and multiples of tetramers. Under denaturing conditions, fully cross‐linked p53 also behaves as tetrameric structures. We confirmed the composition of the tetramers by partially cross‐linking p53 and dissociating tetramers into monomers, dimers, and trimers.