Cancer Protein P53 Observed in Action Reveals More Order than Expected

Cancer protein p53 observed in action reveals more order than expected

Cancer occurs when cells divide uncontrollably and displace healthy cells. Tumor suppressors provide an important defense against this. As molecular growth inhibitors, they prevent healthy cells from becoming cancerous. A key protein among them is p53, also known as the "guardian of the genome." If p53 detects errors in a cell's DNA, it stops the cell from dividing. If the DNA is irreparably damaged, p53 triggers cell death. To perform these tasks, the protein interacts with many other proteins. However, if p53 is inhibited or altered, cells continue to divide despite damage—and a tumor develops. More than half of all tumors are associated with p53 failing to fulfill its function properly within cells.