p53

p53 (pfft-thr)

n.

A protein that is the product of a tumor suppressor gene, regulates cell growth and proliferation, and prevents unrestrained cell division after chromosomal damage, as from ultraviolet or ionizing radiation.The absence of p53 as a result of a gene mutation increases the risk of developing various cancers.

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p53

a tumor suppressor gene active in the cellular response to DNA damage and cell cycle arrest.

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p53

A 53 kD nuclear phosphoprotein encoded by the proto-oncogene p53, on chromosome 17p13; in its wild form, p53 inhibits cell growth control and transformation; it activates transcription of genes that suppress cell proliferation, acting as a tumor suppressor protein; if p53 is physically lost or functionally inactived, cells can grow without restraint. See Li-Fraumeni syndrome, p21, Tumor suppressor genes, WAF1.