High mobility group protein-1 (HMG-1) is a unique activator of p53

Binding of p53 protein to DNA is set off by interaction with covalent and noncovalent modifiers. Identification of a factor from HeLa nuclear extracts that start up p53 CNA binding has been achieved. It was found to be a high-mobility group protein, HMG-1, and belongs to a family of much-conserved chromatin-associated nucleoproteins. Members of the family bend DNA and aid binding of some transcription factors to cognate DNA sequences. Recombinant His-tagged HMG-1 helps in p53 DNA binding in vitro and HMG-1; p53 can interact directly in vitro. HMG-1 is unique as an activator of p53.