Question

If a p53 gene is damaged what happens?

Answer 1

Mutations in the TP53 gene lead to a version of p53 that cannot regulate cell growth and division effectively. Specifically, the altered protein is unable to trigger apoptosis in cells with mutated or damaged DNA. As a result, DNA damage can accumulate in cells.

Answer 2

One of p53's main roles is to clean up those changes and errors within the cell. A p53 gene which does not work properly would leave a cell, and ultimately a human body, highly susceptible to cancer.