Growth suppressor proteins, also known as tumor suppressor proteins, refer to a group of proteins that regulate and inhibit the growth and division of cells in multicellular organisms. These proteins play a crucial role in maintaining the balance between cell division and cell death, which is essential for normal cellular development and tissue homeostasis.
The main function of growth suppressor proteins is to prevent uncontrolled cell proliferation and the formation of tumors by monitoring and controlling various cell cycle checkpoints. These proteins act as guardians of the genome, detecting and repairing DNA damage, preventing the replication of damaged DNA, and initiating cell death pathways, if necessary.
Mutations or alterations in the genes that encode growth suppressor proteins can result in the loss or inactivity of these proteins, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and the development of cancer. Therefore, growth suppressor proteins are considered as critical components of the body's defense mechanism against the formation and progression of tumors.
Prominent examples of growth suppressor proteins include p53, BRCA1, BRCA2, RB, PTEN, and APC. These proteins are involved in various cellular processes, such as cell cycle regulation, DNA repair, apoptosis, and cell signaling pathways. Understanding the role and function of growth suppressor proteins is essential in developing novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment and prevention.
