What is the p53 gene and it effect on cancer?
Hi Tracie. Tumor suppressor gene p53 is known as the “Guardian of the Genome”. The p53 protein is defective or absent in about 50% of all cancers. This protein plays a major role in regulating the cell cycle. The cell cycle is the process cells go through to duplicate/reproduce themselves. The cell cycle has several ‘check points’ that are regulated by tumor suppressor proteins such as p53. If there is DNA damage in the cell, p53 (along with dozens of other factors) stops the cell cycle from going forward until DNA repair mechanisms repair the DNA damage. When p53 is defective or absent, then the cell cycle can procede inspite of having DNA damage and replicate the cell. This can lead to mutations in the daughter cell, mutations that can eventually lead to cancer. Best wishes and good luck.
