p53 is a tumor suppressor gene that functions to stop the cancer progression in the body. Any defect in this gene would make the regulation of the cell cycle difficult as the defective gene can no longer respond to the growth regulators and identify the damage in the cell.
Further Explanation:
Tumor protein 53 is abbreviated as p53. It encodes a protein thatisessential for cell cycle regulation and therefore, hasa role in tumor suppression. This gene is also known as the ‘guardian of the genome’ due to its function in providing stability to the genome by detecting mutation.
In humans, the p53 gene is present on chromosome number 17. The protein it encodes is composed of 393 amino acids which together form four domains. One domain functions to activate the transcription factors, one for the recognition of DNA sequences, another domain brings about protein tetramerization whereas, the last domain detects the damage in the DNA which can be a misalignment of base pairs or strand breakage.
A normal p53 gene produces a normal protein which is usually present in a low amount in a healthy cell. During stress conditions or damaged DNA, the level of p53 protein increases within the cell and performs three main functions: DNA repair, apoptosis, and growth arrest. When the damage is detected in the DNA, the growth regulators are activated in response to which p53 protein arrests the cell cycle until the damage is corrected. It also activates those proteins which are required for the DNA repair process. p53 protein also regulates apoptosis so as to obstruct the multiplication of cells with abnormal DNA.
A defective p53 gene is unable to perform its normal functions and also enhances tumor progression. It will not be able to recognize the growth regulators and therefore, cell cycle arrest due to the damage in the DNA will not take place. In such a case, the DNA replication for the damaged DNA will occur producing lesions and breaks leading to mutation.
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Answer Details:
Grade: Higher secondary
Subject: Biology
Chapter: Tumor Suppressor gene
Keywords:
p53, tumor protein 53, tumor suppressor gene, cell cycle, cell cycle arrest, DNA, DNA damage, mutation, breaks, lesions, DNA replication, growth regulators, apoptosis.
