It has been suggested that mutated p53 may lead to carcinogenesis, as the wild-type p53 contributes to tumour suppression through at least two mechanisms in response to DNA damage, arrest of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis (Attardi et al, 1996; Ravi et al, 1999; Xie et al, 1999). The gene discussed is TP53; the disease is neoplasm.