Expression of the cellular p53 protein in cells transformed by adenovirus 12 and viral DNA fragments.

Expression of the p53 cellular phosphoprotein was examined in rat cells transformed by adenovirus 12 (Ad12) virions and by fragments of Ad12 DNA. p53 was detected in all the cell lines examined. Steady-state levels of p53 were highest in cells transformed by the entire E1 region rather than by E1A alone. Physical association between p53 and the Ad12 E1B 55K protein was not detected. The Ad12 E1B-encoded 55K protein, but not the Ad12 E1B 17K and 19K proteins, appears to participate in regulating p53 protein levels.