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Home > Introduction to Cancer Biology > Cancer Genes > An Introduction to Tumor Suppressors > Section Summary: Tumor Suppressors

Section Summary: Tumor Suppressors

Tumor Suppressors

• The protein products of tumor suppressor genes can directly or indirectly prevent cell division or lead to cell death.
• Tumor suppressors can be likened to the brake system in a car.
• Loss of function of tumor suppressors leads to abnormal cellular behavior.
• The following describes the function of some key tumor suppressor genes:


p53

• A transcription factor that regulates genes controlling cell division and cell death.
• Important in the cellular response to DNA damage.
• Aids in decision between repair and induction of cell death.
Rb

• Functions by altering transcription factor activity.
• Contributes to the control of cellular division by acting as an inhibitor.
APC

• The APC protein binds and stimulates the degradation of a transcription factor.
• Absence of functional APC protein leads to increased cell division.
BRCA

• BRCA proteins have multiple functions including repairing DNA damage and regulation of gene expression.
• Non-functional BRCA leads to compromised DNA repair and gene regulation.