TP53 is a gene that produces a protein called p53. This protein is a tumor suppressor, meaning it helps prevent the growth of cancer cells.
p53 acts as a transcription factor, which means it binds to DNA and regulates the expression of other genes. This regulation is crucial for maintaining normal cell growth and preventing the development of cancer.
In a nutshell, the TP53 gene provides instructions for making the p53 protein, which plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of our cells and protecting us from cancer.