Mutations in the TP53 gene are among the most frequent alterations observed in human cancers. Mutant p53 proteins lose their tumor-suppressive capabilities and often gain new functions that promote cancer progression. These gain-of-function mutations can lead to increased cell proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, enhanced angiogenesis, and metastasis. As a result, mutant p53 is not just a loss of a protective mechanism but also an active contributor to oncogenesis.
