: a tumor suppressor gene that in an inactivated form tends to be associated with a high risk of certain cancers
Examples of p53 in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Flores Lab at Moffitt also conducts research into the p53 family of genes, found in many human cancers.
—
Christopher O'Donnell,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 June 2026
If a mutation occurs in p53 itself, that regulation is lost, and further errors proliferate.
—
Jerome Groopman,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
The Rochester team confirmed that boosting p53 activity can help eliminate or slow cancer, a strategy already being explored in drug development.
—
Jenny Lehmann,
Discover Magazine,
17 June 2025
The activity of p53 in a cell is regulated by another gene known as MDM2 that encodes a protein that essentially inactivates the p53 protein.
—
New Atlas,
20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for p53
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Christopher O'Donnell,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 June 2026
If a mutation occurs in p53 itself, that regulation is lost, and further errors proliferate.
—
Jerome Groopman,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
The Rochester team confirmed that boosting p53 activity can help eliminate or slow cancer, a strategy already being explored in drug development.
—
Jenny Lehmann,
Discover Magazine,
17 June 2025
The activity of p53 in a cell is regulated by another gene known as MDM2 that encodes a protein that essentially inactivates the p53 protein.
—
New Atlas,
20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for p53
Cite this Entry
“P53.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/p53. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
p53
noun
: a tumor suppressor gene that in a defective form tends to be associated with a high risk of certain cancers (as of the colon, lung, and breast)
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