What Cellular Mechanisms are Disrupted by Carcinogens?
Carcinogens primarily disrupt the cell cycle control mechanisms. The p53 protein, known as the "guardian of the genome," is often mutated in cancer cells. Normally, p53 regulates the cell cycle and promotes apoptosis (programmed cell death) if DNA damage is detected. When p53 is inactivated, cells with damaged DNA continue to divide, leading to tumor formation. Additionally, carcinogens can affect other regulatory proteins like retinoblastoma protein (Rb) and signaling pathways like the MAPK/ERK pathway, further promoting cellular transformation.
