Description
All of us have lurking in our DNA a most remarkable gene which has a crucial job - it protects us from cancer. Known simply as p53 this gene constantly scans our cells to ensure that they grow and divide without mishap as part of the routine maintenance of our bodies. If a cell makes a mistake in copying its DNA during the process of division p53 stops it in its tracks summoning a repair team before allowing the cell to carry on dividing. If the mistake is irreparable and the rogue cell threatens to grow out of control p53 commands the cell to commit suicide. Cancer cannot develop unless p53 itself is damaged or prevented from functioning normally. Perhaps unsurprisingly p53 is the most studied single gene in history. This book tells the story of medical science's mission to unravel the mysteries of this crucial gene and to get to the heart of what happens in our cells when they turn cancerous. Through the personal accounts of key researchers p53: The Gene that Cracked the Cancer Code reveals the fascination of the quest for scientific understanding as well as the huge excitement of the chase for new cures - the hype the enthusiasm the lost opportunities the blind alleys and the thrilling breakthroughs. And as the long-anticipated revolution in cancer treatment tailored to each individual patient's symptoms begins to take off at last p53 remains at the cutting edge. This timely tale of scientific discovery highlights the tremendous recent advances made in our understanding of cancer a disease that affects more than one in three of us at some point in our lives.
Features
Published Date:
20/11/2014
ISBN:
9781472913203
Author:
Sue Armstrong
Publisher:
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Format:
Paperback / softback
Dimensions:
135 mm x 216 mm
Pages:
288
Language:
English