Tumor suppressor proteins employ various mechanisms to prevent cancer development:
- DNA Repair: Proteins like BRCA1 and BRCA2 are directly involved in repairing DNA damage, thereby preventing mutations that could lead to cancer. - Cell Cycle Regulation: Proteins like p53 and RB1 help regulate the cell cycle, ensuring that cells do not divide uncontrollably. - Induction of Apoptosis: When DNA damage is too severe to be repaired, proteins like p53 can initiate apoptosis, eliminating potentially cancerous cells. - Cell Senescence: Some tumor suppressors can induce cellular senescence, a state where cells permanently stop dividing, thus preventing the potential for cancerous growth.
