Researchers find new role for p53 gene in stopping cancer
UT Southwestern Medical Center scientists report that disabling the p53 tumor suppressor gene triggers a chain reaction affecting cell metabolism and genetic stability.
Gene loss alters cell behavior
The study shows that when the p53 gene becomes disabled, cells immediately change their metabolic activity. Researchers observed these changes happening in real time at the single-cell level. This process also involves the reactivation of mobile genes known as retrotransposons.
Cells gain unwanted traits
Disabled p53 prevents cells from maintaining normal features and stops them from adopting characteristics found in sperm or eggs. The findings suggest the gene has a steady-state function even when cells are not under stress. These roles help explain how cancer develops when this specific gene is mutated.
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