What Happens When Tumor Suppressor Proteins Are Mutated?
Mutations in tumor suppressor genes can lead to a loss of function, rendering these proteins ineffective. This loss of function allows cells to bypass critical growth regulation checkpoints, leading to uncontrolled proliferation and tumor development. For example, a mutation in the p53 gene can prevent it from effectively binding to DNA, thus impairing its ability to regulate the cell cycle or initiate apoptosis.
