GENE MUTATION TP53 2.
Gene Mutation TP53
TP53 gene issues commands for the production of p53 protein. This protein plays a
critical role of suppressing tumors thereby maintaining the normal growth and proliferation of
cells (Muller & Vousden, 2014). Mutation of TP53 gene has far reaching consequences for cells
and these consequences centers on abnormal proliferation of cancerous cells.
Uncontrolled tumor growth is the first consequence. TP53 mutations change amino acids
in p53 protein which then diminishes or eliminates the tumor suppressor function of p53 protein
(Muller & Vousden, 2014). As a result, p53 protein cannot regulate proliferation of cells
effectively. Unlike in the normal functioning of p53, TP53 mutation renders p53 incapable of
triggering an apoptosis process and therefore cells continue dividing uncontrollably, resulting in
tumor growth (Muller & Vousden, 2014).
Repair of damaged DNA fails to take place when TP53 gene mutation takes control
(Takahashi, Markovic & Scrable, 2014). Normally, p53 protein, under the control of TP53 gene,
determines if a damaged DNA will be repaired or it will undergo a programmed cell death
(apoptosis). P53 protein prevents tumor growth by stopping damaged DNA from dividing
(Takahashi et al., 2014). In that case, therefore, mutation of TP53 gene will result to uncontrolled
division of cancerous cells and tumor growth.
Mutation of TP53 gene leads to the emergence of the following cancers; breast cancer,
cervical cancer, bladder cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, ovarian cancer, lung
cancer, among others. Notably, Breast cancers caused by TP53 mutation are more bellicose,
more resistant to anti-cancer treatment and more likely to recur even after treatment (Muller &
Vousden, 2014).
