Definitions for "P53 gene"
The role of tumor suppressor genes is to maintain the integrity of the genetic code, DNA, in cells. An example of an important tumor suppressor gene is the p53 gene. In cancer cells, the p53 gene recognizes damaged DNA and tells the cell to "commit suicide" (apoptosis). If the p53 gene is damaged and loses its function, cells with damaged DNA continue to pass on the damage, called mutations, to daughter cells.
a gene that is considered a cancer suppressor.
a tumor suppresser gene that encodes a nuclear protein which suppresses cell transformation and enhances cell differentiation and apoptosis.