Tumor suppressors are genes that help regulate cell growth and division, preventing the formation of tumors. They produce proteins that can repair DNA, control the cell cycle, and trigger cell death when necessary. When these genes are mutated or inactivated, cells can grow uncontrollably, leading to cancer. One well-known tumor suppressor gene is TP53, which encodes the p53 protein. This protein plays a crucial role in monitoring cellular stress and DNA damage. If the p53 protein detects problems, it can halt the cell cycle or initiate apoptosis, effectively stopping the development of cancerous cells.