Give an example of a common tumor suppressor gene.

Give an example of a common tumor suppressor gene.

• A. BRCA1
• B. TP53 (p53)
• C. MYC
• D. EGFR

Answer: (B)

TP53, commonly referred to as p53, serves as a quintessential example of a tumor suppressor gene. Tumor suppressor genes are critical for regulating cell division and maintaining genomic stability. They produce proteins that help prevent uncontrolled cell growth by promoting DNA repair, inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death), and halting the cell cycle in response to DNA damage. In the case of p53, it is often termed the "guardian of the genome" due to its role in monitoring cellular stress and genomic integrity. When DNA is damaged, p53 can activate genes that stop the cell cycle to allow for repair, or it can initiate apoptosis if the damage is irreparable. Mutations in the TP53 gene can lead to the loss of these essential functions, contributing to the development of various cancers since the cell can then proliferate uncontrollably. The other options provided represent different categories of genes: BRCA1 is also a tumor suppressor but not as universally recognized as p53; MYC is an oncogene that promotes cell proliferation; and EGFR is a receptor that, when mutated or overexpressed, can lead to tumorigenesis but does not function as a tumor suppressor. Therefore, TP53 stands out as a prime example of

TP53, commonly referred to as p53, serves as a quintessential example of a tumor suppressor gene. Tumor suppressor genes are critical for regulating cell division and maintaining genomic stability. They produce proteins that help prevent uncontrolled cell growth by promoting DNA repair, inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death), and halting the cell cycle in response to DNA damage.

In the case of p53, it is often termed the "guardian of the genome" due to its role in monitoring cellular stress and genomic integrity. When DNA is damaged, p53 can activate genes that stop the cell cycle to allow for repair, or it can initiate apoptosis if the damage is irreparable. Mutations in the TP53 gene can lead to the loss of these essential functions, contributing to the development of various cancers since the cell can then proliferate uncontrollably.

The other options provided represent different categories of genes: BRCA1 is also a tumor suppressor but not as universally recognized as p53; MYC is an oncogene that promotes cell proliferation; and EGFR is a receptor that, when mutated or overexpressed, can lead to tumorigenesis but does not function as a tumor suppressor. Therefore, TP53 stands out as a prime example of