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tumor suppressor gene

noun

Definition of tumor suppressor gene

: any of a class of genes (such as p53) that act in normal cells to inhibit unrestrained cell division and that when inactivated (as by mutation) place the cell at increased risk for malignant proliferation

First Known Use of tumor suppressor gene

1985, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for tumor suppressor gene

tumor suppressor gene

noun
variants: or tumor-suppressor gene

Medical Definition of tumor suppressor gene

: any of a class of genes (as p53 and APC) that act in normal cells to inhibit unrestrained cell division and that when inactivated (as by mutation) place the cell at increased risk for malignant proliferation In some cases [of cancer], growth-inhibiting genes called tumor suppressor genes are damaged, allowing cells to proliferate unchecked.— Faye Flam, The Philadelphia Inquirer, 29 Sept. 2010 In most human-cancer cells, there are multiple mutations—some that activate oncogenes and some that silence tumor-suppressor genes.— Robert A. Weinberg and Anthony L. Komaroff, Newsweek, 23 June 2008

— called also anti-oncogene

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