What are the Implications of p53 Mutations in Toxicology?
Mutations in the p53 gene are among the most common genetic alterations found in human cancers. Such mutations can impair the protein's ability to bind DNA and regulate target genes, leading to uncontrolled cell division and tumor development. In the context of toxicology, individuals with defective p53 may be more susceptible to the carcinogenic effects of environmental pollutants, as their cells are less capable of initiating protective responses to DNA damage. This underscores the importance of p53 in the risk assessment of chemical exposures.
