p53 and Cancer Prevention p53 is known as the "guardian angel of the genome.

" p53 is expressed when a cell's DNA is damaged. The p53 protein functions as a transcription factor for several genes. It serves as a tumor suppressor. p53 is called a guardian because of its role in conserving stability by preventing genome mutation. p53 mutations are found in 50% of cancer cases. Dangers to DNA Human cells face dangers such as: ionizing radiation, chemicals, viruses, hypoxia, heat, etc. A small mutation can be amplified many times leading to a tumor.

Function of p53 When a cell is stressed, p53 usually halts cell division o p53 plays a key role in G1/S restriction point: If DNA is damaged, p53 activates genes that stop cell growth, or induce apoptosis programmed cell death. o If damage is irreparable, apoptosis is induced to avoid the division of mutated cells. p53 guards against changes in cells that may lead to tumor formation and cancer.

Target Genes Growth arrest: p21, Gadd45, and 14-3-3s. DNA repair: p53R2. Apoptosis: Bax, Apaf-1, PUMA and NoxA.

MDM2-p53 Relationship MDM2 is an inhibitor of p53 transcriptional activities. MDM2 degrades p53 suppressive function in unstressed cells. Disrupting this relationship can lead to inappropriate cell apoptosis in healthy cells.

Restoration of p53 function in tumor cells Inhibiting the MDM2-p53 relationship in tumor cells is currently a topic in oncology. All tumor cells must turn off p53 function. o If p53 function can be restored in tumor cells, halting of the cell cycle or apoptosis can occur, leading to the destruction of tumor cells.