What role does p53 play in cancer development?

p53 is a tumor suppressor gene that plays a crucial role in preventing cancer development. When cells are damaged or stressed, p53 is activated and functions to either repair the damage or induce cell death to eliminate potentially cancerous cells. Mutations in the p53 gene can result in a loss of its tumor suppressor function, allowing damaged cells to continue dividing and potentially leading to cancer development. Therefore, p53 is considered a key player in the protection against cancer and its dysregulation is often associated with the initiation and progression of various types of cancer.

This mind map was published on 9 May 2024 and has been viewed 76 times.