tumor suppressor gene

(TOO-mer suh-PREH-ser jeen) A type of gene that makes a protein called a tumor suppressor protein that helps control cell growth. Mutations (changes in DNA) in tumor suppressor genes may lead to cancer. Also called antioncogene.

A gene that regulates cell growth. If such a gene becomes dysfunctional, and potentiating damage occurs to the cell, then uncontrolled growth and a cancer may result. See: p53 gene, oncogene.

A protective gene that normally limits the growth of tumors. When a tumor supressor is mutated, it may fail to keep a cancer from growing. BRCA1 and p53 are well-known tumor suppressor genes. See also BRCA1/BRCA2, cancer, gene, oncogene, p53