Distinct p53 phosphorylation patterns in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients are reflected in the activation of circumjacent pathways upon DNA damage

TP53 gene abnormalities represent the most important biomarker in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Altered protein modifications could also influence p53 function, even in the wild‐type protein. Doxorubicin-induced two distinct phospho‐profiles: profile I (heavily phosphorylated) and profile II (hypophosphorylated). The samples also differed in the basal activity of the hypoxia pathway: the highest level was detected in TP53‐mutant samples, followed by profile II and profile I. The study suggests that wild‐type TP53 CLL cells with less phosphorylated p53 show TP53‐mutant‐like behaviour after DNA damage.