p53

noun

ˌpē-ˌfif-tē-ˈthrē 

: a tumor suppressor gene that in an inactivated form tends to be associated with a high risk of certain cancers

Examples of p53 in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For instance, variations in MHC genes, which help the immune system fight infections, or the p53 gene, which controls cell growth and death, can affect how the body responds to HPV.4 Who Gets Cervical Cancer? —Brandi Jones, Health, 11 Sep. 2024

And, at the same time this is happening, a large number of other pathways also feed into the activity of p53. —John Timmer, Ars Technica, 29 Mar. 2024

Studies on the closely related SARS-CoV have implicated viral proteins in the possible degradation of p53 and pRB, which are critical oncosuppressors. —Carolyn Barber, Fortune, 23 Nov. 2023

Another obvious example would be the p53 gene, which is very strongly associated with cancer suppression. —Bill Gifford, Scientific American, 31 July 2023

Word History

Etymology

from p53, the protein made by the gene, from protein + 53, the gene's molecular weight

First Known Use

1990, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

p53

noun

ˌpē-ˌfif-tē-ˈthrē 

: a tumor suppressor gene that in a defective form tends to be associated with a high risk of certain cancers (as of the colon, lung, and breast)