TP53 mutation

A TP53 mutation refers to a change in the TP53 gene, which provides instructions for making a protein called p53. This protein acts as a tumor suppressor, helping prevent abnormal cell growth that can lead to cancer. When the TP53 gene is mutated, the p53 protein may not function properly or at all, impairing the cell’s ability to repair DNA damage or control cell division. This increases the risk of unchecked cell growth, making it a common mutation in many types of cancer. Understanding TP53 mutations helps in diagnosing, prognosing, and developing targeted treatments.