p53 is a crucial protein in the human body that acts as a tumor suppressor. It helps regulate the cell cycle, ensuring that cells do not divide uncontrollably. When DNA damage occurs, p53 can trigger repair mechanisms or initiate programmed cell death, known as apoptosis, to prevent the proliferation of potentially cancerous cells. Mutations in the TP53 gene, which encodes the p53 protein, are commonly found in various types of cancer. These mutations can impair the protein's function, allowing damaged cells to survive and multiply. As a result, understanding p53 is vital for cancer research and developing targeted therapies.