p53 is both your genome’s guardian and weakness against cancer – scientists are trying to repair or replace it when it goes awry

Cancer arises when your cells grow uncontrollably and refuse to die when they should.

Normally, your body is equipped with regulatory processes to prevent this chaos.

One such mechanism involves a protein called p53.

When p53 malfunctions, the result is often cancer.

Learning about how p53 works has deepened how scientists understand cancer.

Researchers are exploring combination therapies that pair p53-targeting drugs with other treatments to amplify their effectiveness.

The challenge is ensuring the drugs target p53 in cancer cells and spare healthy cells from unnecessary damage.

Achieving this balance will be crucial in translating these therapies from the lab to the clinic, Prosper Obed Chukwuemeka says.