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A
53KDa protein the product of a tumour suppressor gene. The loss of
this protein due to mutation is a primary event in the formation of
many types of cancer (breast, colon, lung, leukaemia, liver). P53
is involved in regulating the activity of some other genes (eg. P21,
a cell division kinase inhibitor). It also prevents cells entering
cell division. P53 levels are increased after DNA is damaged by UV
and ionizing radiation and cells are arrested in cell division until
either the damage is repaired or they die by apoptosis (programmed
cell death). |
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