Short description
A tumor suppressor is a protein controlling the cell cycle and thereby cell growth. Defects of such proteins can lead to the formation of tumors.
Detailed description
A cell usually only divides in the absence of DNA damages. If damages are identified, tumor suppressors stall cell division until the DNA is repaired. In case of irreparable damages, a tumor suppressor may also trigger apoptosis, the cellular suicide program. Mutated tumor suppressors are found in many tumors causing uncontrolled proliferation.
