1.INTRODUCTION p53, also known as TP53 or tumor protein, is a gene that codes for one protein which stimulates another protein that inhibits enzymes needed to drive the cell cycle and functions as a tumor suppression. It is very important for cells in the role to suppress cancer. P53 has been described as "the guardian of the genome", referring to its role in conserving stability by preventing genome mutation (Strachan and Read, 1999). The name is due to its molecular mass: it is in the 53 kilodalton fraction of cell proteins.
2. GENE LOCATION The human p53 gene is located on the seventeenth chromosome (17p13.1).
3. STRUCTURE The p53 protein is a phosphoprotein made of 393 amino acids. It consists of four units (or domains):
• A domain that activates transcription factors.
• A domain that recognizes specific DNA sequences (core domain).
• A domain that is responsible for the tetramerization of the protein.
• A domain that recognized damaged DNA, such as incorrect position of base pairs or single-stranded DNA.
4. MECHANISM It plays an …show more content…
It is a crucial component in multicellular organisms, as it regulates the cell cycle and helps prevent cancer. Mutations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene are the most commonly observed genetic alterations in human cancer. Since p53 mutations play such an important role in the development of cancer, it stands to reason that the detection of p53 mutations can be a very helpful tool in diagnosing cancer since the successful treatment of cancer is so dependent on early detection. Then to test for p53 mutations or antibodies against them, only blood sample is required, so the test is low-risk, low-cost and noninvasive (Wallace-Brodeur 1999). By studying this protein, researchers hope to find improvement in diagnostic techniques, accuracy of prognosis, and treatment of
2. GENE LOCATION The human p53 gene is located on the seventeenth chromosome (17p13.1).
3. STRUCTURE The p53 protein is a phosphoprotein made of 393 amino acids. It consists of four units (or domains):
• A domain that activates transcription factors.
• A domain that recognizes specific DNA sequences (core domain).
• A domain that is responsible for the tetramerization of the protein.
• A domain that recognized damaged DNA, such as incorrect position of base pairs or single-stranded DNA.
4. MECHANISM It plays an …show more content…
It is a crucial component in multicellular organisms, as it regulates the cell cycle and helps prevent cancer. Mutations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene are the most commonly observed genetic alterations in human cancer. Since p53 mutations play such an important role in the development of cancer, it stands to reason that the detection of p53 mutations can be a very helpful tool in diagnosing cancer since the successful treatment of cancer is so dependent on early detection. Then to test for p53 mutations or antibodies against them, only blood sample is required, so the test is low-risk, low-cost and noninvasive (Wallace-Brodeur 1999). By studying this protein, researchers hope to find improvement in diagnostic techniques, accuracy of prognosis, and treatment of