Tumörsuppressiva

Tumörsuppressiva, or tumor suppressors, are genes that normally inhibit cell proliferation. They play a crucial role in preventing cancer by regulating cell division, repair of DNA damage, and cell death (apoptosis). When tumor suppressor genes are inactivated or mutated, the cells they control can begin to divide uncontrollably, leading to the development of tumors.

The function of tumor suppressor genes can be thought of as the "brakes" on cell growth. In contrast, oncogenes are the "accelerators" that promote cell growth. Cancer often arises when both oncogenes are activated and tumor suppressor genes are inactivated.

Famous examples of tumor suppressor genes include the p53 gene, often referred to as the "guardian of the genome," which detects DNA damage and can trigger cell cycle arrest or apoptosis. Another well-known example is the RB1 gene, which is involved in controlling the cell cycle. Mutations in tumor suppressor genes can be inherited, increasing an individual's predisposition to certain cancers, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome (associated with p53 mutations) or retinoblastoma (associated with RB1 mutations). Alternatively, mutations in tumor suppressor genes can occur somatically throughout a person's life due to environmental factors or errors in DNA replication. Understanding the function and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes is fundamental to cancer research and the development of targeted therapies.