The p53 protein, often referred to as the "guardian of the genome," is a crucial tumor suppressor that plays a significant role in preventing cancer formation. It is encoded by the TP53 gene and is involved in various cellular processes such as DNA repair, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and senescence. When functioning correctly, p53 can detect DNA damage and either halt the cell cycle to allow for repair or initiate apoptosis if the damage is irreparable.
