p53 Regulates Cell Division
p53 normally functions to shut down cell division when a cell is stressed—for example, by DNA damage.
When DNA is damaged, p53 activates genes that stop cell growth or even trigger the cell to die.
Thus, p53 guards against changes to cells that might lead to tumor formation and cancer. It appears necessary to inactivate p53 to develop many forms of cancer.
A flowchart with a four-point bullet list labeled Activators of p53. The bullet points are Low oxygen concentration, DNA damage, Chemotherapeutic agents, and Other stress. Below the list is a red arrow pointing downward to a purple rectangle labeled p53. Below the rectangle are a series of colored T shapes and arrows. One yellow T is labeled Cell growth. A pair of green T shapes and a pair of green arrows are labeled Other p53 functions. A yellow arrow is labeled Cell death.