What is the Role of p53 in Cellular Response to Toxicants?
The primary function of p53 is to preserve genomic stability by preventing the propagation of damaged DNA. When a cell is exposed to toxicants, such as carcinogens or other harmful chemicals, p53 is activated in response to cellular stress signals. This activation leads to the transcription of target genes that can halt cell division, allowing time for DNA repair. If the damage is irreparable, p53 can trigger apoptosis, thereby preventing the proliferation of potentially cancerous cells.
