Yes, p53 is indeed a protein, specifically a tumor suppressor protein.
Understanding p53 as a Protein
The TP53 gene contains the instructions for the production of a protein known as tumor protein p53 (often simply called p53). Its primary function is to regulate cell division, preventing cells from growing and dividing uncontrollably. Therefore, p53 plays a critical role in preventing cancer.
Function as a Tumor Suppressor
As a tumor suppressor, p53 performs several essential functions:
- Cell Cycle Arrest: p53 can halt the cell cycle, giving the cell time to repair damaged DNA.
- DNA Repair: It activates DNA repair mechanisms.
- Apoptosis (Programmed Cell Death): If DNA damage is irreparable, p53 can trigger apoptosis, eliminating the potentially cancerous cell.
Dysfunctional or absent p53 allows cells with damaged DNA to continue dividing, significantly increasing the risk of tumor formation. This underscores the crucial role of p53 as a protein in maintaining genomic stability and preventing cancer.
