Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1)

Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) is a gene that produces a protein vital for kidney development and cell growth regulation. It functions as a tumor suppressor, helping control cell division and prevent abnormal growth. Mutations or changes in the WT1 gene can disrupt its normal role, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and increasing the risk of developing Wilms' tumor, a type of kidney cancer primarily affecting children. Understanding WT1 is important for diagnosing, managing, and researching treatments for this rare but serious disease.