Tumor Suppressor Genes are genes that regulate cell division and prevent growth of tumors in the body. To understand the spelling of this word, we can use the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. 'Tumor' is pronounced as /ˈtjuː.mər/ (too-mer) and 'Suppressor' as /səˈpres.ər/ (su-pres-ser). 'Genes' is pronounced as /dʒiːnz/ (jeenz). Therefore, the complete pronunciation of the word "Tumor Suppressor Genes" is /ˈtjuː.mər səˈpres.ər ˈdʒiːnz/ (too-mer su-pres-ser jeenz).
Tumor suppressor genes are a group of genes that play a crucial role in regulating cell growth and division. These genes act as a natural defense mechanism against the development and progression of cancer. The primary function of tumor suppressor genes is to inhibit cell proliferation and initiate DNA repair processes when there is an increased risk of mutations or genomic instability.
Tumor suppressor genes ensure the proper functioning of normal cells by monitoring and controlling cell cycle progression. They can be described as "guardians of the genome" because they help prevent the accumulation of genetic mutations that could lead to uncontrolled cell growth and the formation of tumors. Loss or inactivation of tumor suppressor genes can result in cells escaping normal growth control mechanisms, allowing for uncontrolled cellular division and the formation of cancerous tumors.
When these genes are mutated or deleted, they are unable to carry out their suppressor functions effectively. This leads to an increased susceptibility to cancer development. Tumor suppressor gene mutations can be inherited or acquired during a person's lifetime. Inherited mutations in certain tumor suppressor genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
Understanding the functions of tumor suppressor genes and their dysregulation in cancer can provide valuable insights into the development and treatment of various types of cancers. Studying these genes can help in identifying potential targets for therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring normal cell growth and inhibiting tumor formation.