tumor suppressor gene

A tumor suppressor gene is a type of gene that helps prevent cells from growing uncontrollably, which could lead to cancer. It acts like a cellular brake, stopping or slowing down cell division when necessary. When these genes are healthy, they maintain normal cell function. However, if a tumor suppressor gene is damaged or lost due to mutations, its protective function weakens, increasing the risk of abnormal cell growth and tumor development. Examples include the TP53 and BRCA1 genes, which play crucial roles in safeguarding our cells from becoming cancerous.