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p53 PROTEIN LEVEL

OVERVIEW EXPLANATION

The p53 protein is produced by the p53 gene. Under normal circumstances, this p53 protein then functions to trigger the self-destruction of any abnormal (pre-cancerous, infected) cells and so prevent their replication. Thus, the normal p53 gene / protein pair act as a tumour suppressor within the body.

Assaying for both p53 gene and protein levels, and a subsequent evaluation of the relative increase and decrease of each, can shed new light on both the body’s abnormal / pre-cancerous cell levels and on its capacity to destroy them. Hence, the p53 protein assay, performed in conjunction with the p53 gene assay, provides an important insight into the individual’s ability to offer an effective defence against possible cancer development.

APPLICATION

This assay will provide extremely valuable and accurate information relating to all forms of cancer.

DETAILED EXPLANATION

p53 protein is a product of the p53 gene. When the tumour suppressor gene p53 gene is wild (i.e. normal), it produces a normal p53 protein that, in turn, triggers the self-destruction of any Abnormal Cells (i.e. transformed, infected or damaged) and the p53 gene acts as a tumour suppression gene. When the p53 gene is mutated, it produces a mutant (abnormal) p53 protein which is unable to trigger the self-destruction of Abnormal Cells. In this case the p53 gene acts as an activated Oncogene which results in cancerous cells becoming resistant to Apoptosis (i.e. programmed cell death). With some tumours the p53 gene may be deleted, or not active, which is reflected in the absence of p53 protein (i.e. not a detectable level), which also makes cancerous cells resistant to Apoptosis. This assay (together with the P53 Gene Expression assay) is able to obtain information concerning the presence of abnormal / transformed cells and their self-destruction.

High level indicates

Persistent destruction of abnormal / transformed cells if there is also increased P53 Gene Expression. In this case p53 protein is produced in its normal (wild) form.

Or

An inability by any abnormal / transformed cells to trigger the self-destruction process (Apoptosis) if there is also a decreased / suppressed P53 Gene Expression. In this case the p53 protein is produced in its mutant form.

Low level indicates

The deletion (absence) of the p53 gene and an inability by any abnormal / transformed cells to trigger the self-destruction process if there is also a suppressed P53 Gene Expression.

Or

The non-active pathway of p53 protein production and an inability by any abnormal / transformed cells to trigger self-destruction if there is also an increased P53 Gene Expression.
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