In breast cancer cells with a p53 mutation, what is a key effect on cell survival?

In breast cancer cells that harbor a mutation in the p53 gene, a significant key effect on cell survival is that abnormal cells are prevented from dying. The p53 protein is known as a critical regulator of the cell cycle and acts as a tumor suppressor. Its primary role is to respond to damaging signals, such as DNA damage or stress, by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) or initiating cell cycle arrest.

When p53 is mutated, this regulatory function is compromised. As a result, cells with damaged DNA or other abnormalities do not undergo the necessary apoptosis that would typically eliminate these potentially cancerous cells. The loss of p53’s apoptotic function allows these abnormal cells to survive and proliferate, contributing to tumor growth and cancer progression. Thus, in the context of breast cancer, the presence of a p53 mutation directly undermines the cell’s ability to undergo programmed cell death, allowing for the persistence and expansion of malignant cells.