It is well known that the risk of cancer rises with age, mainly because DNA damage builds up over time. A new study suggests another reason: the gene that fights cancer becomes less active.
The p53 gene is one of the most important tumour suppressor genes. When a cell's DNA is damaged, p53 coordinates a response, either repairing the cell or making it destroy itself, which stops the cell growing into a tumour. More than 50% of people with cancer have mutations in p53.
In the study, researchers exposed mice of different ages to strong doses of gamma radiation. The p53 response was weaker in older mice than in young ones. It declined faster in females than males: at 20 months, p53 activity had fallen in females but still worked as in youth in males, which made the scientists think hormones may help regulate p53.
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