Description
Book SynopsisThe story of the search for p53--the most important gene in medicine.
All of us have lurking in our DNA a most remarkable gene: it is known simply as p53 and its job is to protect us from cancer. p53: The Gene that Cracked the Cancer Code tells the story of the discovery of the gene and of medical science''s mission to unravel its mysteries and get to the heart of what happens in our cells when they turn cancerous. When all is well, this gene constantly scans our cells to ensure that when they grow and divide as part of the routine maintenance of our bodies, they do so without mishap. If a cell makes a mistake in copying its DNA during the process of division, p53 stops it in its tracks, sending in the repair team before allowing the cell to carry on dividing. Cancer cannot develop unless p53 itself is damaged or handicapped by some other fault in the system. Not surprisingly, p53 is the most studied single gene in history.
Through the personal ac
Trade Review
More than any textbook, article, or lecture could, this book offers a sip of contagious enthusiasm and a conviction that scientists will eventually “crack the cancer code" * Science *
Armstrong’s book is genuinely engrossing on many levels, and the story is very well told. It has considerable depth, yet sufficient clarity to be able to reach a wide audience ... a highly readable, well-written and crafted book. * Cell *
A succinct, accessible study of humanity's genetic bulwark against cancer. * Nature *
One of the best accounts I’ve read of how science is actually performed. -- Peter Forbes * The Guardian *
Armstrong paints a very human picture ... Not only does Armstrong make p53 understandable but she also sheds light on the scientific method. In an age of government austerity, highlighting the importance of scientific research is also a gift. * The Lancet *
Ms. Armstrong¹s book comes alive in the sections where she explores cancer¹s human toll, including the devastating experience of families with rare genetic mutations, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome, which leaves children of parents with a faulty gene vulnerable to cancer at almost any age. She also captures the excitement of researchers as they come upon eureka moments. * Wall Street Journal *
Table of Contents
Preface Chapter 1: Flesh of our Own Flesh Chapter 2: The Enemy Within Chapter 3: Discovery Chapter 4: Unseeable Biology Chapter 5: Cloning the Gene Chapter 6: A Case of Mistaken Identity Chapter 7: A New Angle on Cancer Chapter 8: p53 Reveals its True Colours Chapter 9: Master Switch Chapter 10: ‘Guardian of the Genome’ Chapter 11: Of Autumn Leaves and Cell Death Chapter 12: Of Mice and Men Chapter 13: The Guardian’s Gatekeeper Chapter 14: The Smoking Gun Chapter 15: Following the Fingerprints Chapter 16: Cancer in the Family Chapter 17: The Tropeiro Connection? Chapter 18: Jekyll and Hyde Chapter 19: Cancer and Ageing: A Balancing Act Chapter 20: The Treatment Revolution Dramatis Personae Glossary Notes on Sources Acknowledgements Index
