P53: Our Saviour and Our Destroyer

Abstract

The p53 genome is a gene that has truly taken the scientific world by storm. Once referred to as an oncogene, p53 has proved itself to be more complex and dubious time and time again. This paper will talk about the beginning doubts and queries revolving around p53 and the discoveries that led to it being referred to as a tumour suppressor gene, rather than being mislabeled as an oncogene. It will touch upon the importance that p53 brings to our daily lives such as repairing the DNA, maintaining the cell cycle and starting apoptosis, as well as highlight the differences between the gene’s two types: wild-type p53 and mutant p53. Furthermore, it will talk about how a slight mutation in p53, can cause it to form many protein isoforms, a leading contributing factor in cancers. It will also mention the effects post-translational modification will have on the two types of p53. In addition to this, it will delve into the negative and potentially harmful effects that p53 could have on our bodies. Finally, it will also talk about p53-mediated therapy and targeting mutant p53 with autophagy, which are 2 processes that have shown successful outcomes in reducing the complications caused by mutant p53.