TP53 and cancer: Also, this ability of hTERT to drive cancer progression independent of its role in telomerase activity could explain high frequency of TERT reactivation in most human cancers.41 It is interesting to note that p53 responsive gene TIGAR provides nucleosides, NADPH, and anti-oxidants crucial for the development and promotion of tumor growth and proliferation.42 This ability of TIGAR to lower oxidative stress while promoting the PPP prevents ROS-mediated cell death while supporting anabolic pathways crucial for cell growth.