The Role of P53 in Oral Cancer - A Review

P53 is a nuclear phosphoprotein encoded by the tumor suppressor gene p53. This P53 protein plays an important role in the regulation of normal cell proliferation by causing cell cycle arrest. Mutation of p53 gene produces an altered P53 protein leading to loss of cell cycle control. As a result, there is an uncontrolled cell proliferation, which may lead to the development of cancer. Mutation of the p53 gene is one of the commonest genetic changes in human cancers. This article reviews the basic structure, functions and the role of P53 in oral cancer.