p53

p53

A molecule, a protein, and a gene that can be mutated.

Oncogene

A mutated cancer gene that increases the rate of cell division.

Tumor suppressor gene

A gene that halts cell division.

DNA repair gene

These genes fix damaged DNA prior to replication.

p53 gene

An example of a tumor suppressor gene that acts as a brake for the function of oncogenes.

Mutated oncogene analogy

Analogous to a 100-pound weight on the gas pedal in a car, speeding up cell division continuously.

Mutated tumor suppressor gene analogy

Acts as the brakes in the car, stopping tumor growth or mutated genes that may cause cancer growth.

Mutation

A change in the gene that can lead to malfunctioning genes, analogous to driving a car without brakes.

p53

A protein that ensures cancerous tumors do not form as a result of excess cell division.

Conditions activating p53

Low oxygen levels, DNA damage, or chemotherapeutic agents.

Transactivation domain

Allows p53 to activate other genes and recruit RNA enzymes.

DNA binding domain

Ensures proper p53 binding to sequences.

Complexing domain

Joins together 4 molecules of p53.

Transcription factor

A regulatory protein that is responsible for the activity of other genes.

Mdm2 roles

Prevents p53 from binding to DNA and tags p53 using proteasomes for degradation.

Ubiquitin

Targets specific protein substrates for degradation by proteasomes.

Proteasome

Degrades damaged or misfolded proteins.

Mdm2 tagging mechanism

Hypothesized method by which Mdm2 adds a group to p53 for recognition by proteasomes.

p53

A protein that regulates transcription by binding to specific sequences prior to using RNA polymerase.

Cell processes regulated by p53

Replication and apoptosis.

Cancer

Uncontrolled cell division.

Role of p53 mutations in cancer

Mutations in the p53 gene contribute to cancer by losing the ability to properly regulate cell growth and division, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation.

Uncontrolled cell proliferation

The multiplication of abnormal cells unchecked, resulting in the spread of mutated or cancerous cells.