Question

Further studies reveal that this patient is predisposed to malignancy as a result of genetic alterations in a protein that functions to transduce signals from the cell membrane to the nucleus by activating other molecules. Protein?

a) TP53 (p53)
b) BRCA1
c) HER2/neu (ERBB2)
d) RET proto-oncogene

Answer 1

The protein that is predisposing the patient to malignancy is the p53 protein (TP53 in humans) which transduces signals from the cell membrane to the nucleus. Mutations in the TP53 gene are associated with many human cancers, leading to unregulated cell proliferation and suppression of apoptosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this case, the protein that is predisposing the patient to malignancy and functions to transduce signals from the cell membrane to the nucleus by activating other molecules is the p53 protein, also known as TP53 in humans.

Mutations in the TP53 gene are associated with many human cancers and are found in as many as half of all human cancers. The mutated p53 gene leads to unregulated cell proliferation and suppression of apoptosis (cell death), which are key characteristics of cancer cells.

Therefore, the correct answer is a) TP53 (p53).