p73 has been identified as a long-lost cousin of the p53 tumor suppressor protein. It has high homology with both p53 and with p63, a gene implicated in the maintenance of epithelial stem cells. The presence of significant homology between the DNA-binding domains of p53, p63, and p73 suggest that they have overlapping functions. Targeted disruption of p73 leads to defects hippocampal dysgenesis, hydrocephalus, chronic inflammation, and infections.
