Tumor suppressor genes, or TSGs, are very important for stopping cancer from growing. They help control how cells grow and keep our DNA safe. When TSGs are working well, they stop cells from growing too much, help fix DNA, and can even trigger cell death when necessary.
Here are some key ways TSGs work:
Controlling the Cell Cycle: TSGs like p53 and Rb help manage the checkpoints in the cell cycle. This means they make sure cells only divide when it's safe. Changes in these genes are found in more than 50% of human cancers. In fact, about 30% of all cancer cases involve a change in the p53 gene.
Fixing DNA: Other genes, like BRCA1 and BRCA2, help fix breaks in our DNA. If these genes aren’t working right, it can lead to a higher chance of getting breast and ovarian cancer. They are responsible for about 15% of breast cancer cases.
Cell Death: TSGs can cause cells with badly damaged DNA to die. This is important because it stops those damaged cells from growing and possibly becoming cancerous.
In summary, when TSGs don’t do their job, it can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and the formation of tumors. This shows just how important TSGs are in helping prevent cancer.
Tumor suppressor genes, or TSGs, are very important for stopping cancer from growing. They help control how cells grow and keep our DNA safe. When TSGs are working well, they stop cells from growing too much, help fix DNA, and can even trigger cell death when necessary.
Here are some key ways TSGs work:
Controlling the Cell Cycle: TSGs like p53 and Rb help manage the checkpoints in the cell cycle. This means they make sure cells only divide when it's safe. Changes in these genes are found in more than 50% of human cancers. In fact, about 30% of all cancer cases involve a change in the p53 gene.
Fixing DNA: Other genes, like BRCA1 and BRCA2, help fix breaks in our DNA. If these genes aren’t working right, it can lead to a higher chance of getting breast and ovarian cancer. They are responsible for about 15% of breast cancer cases.
Cell Death: TSGs can cause cells with badly damaged DNA to die. This is important because it stops those damaged cells from growing and possibly becoming cancerous.
In summary, when TSGs don’t do their job, it can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and the formation of tumors. This shows just how important TSGs are in helping prevent cancer.