Retinoid and calcium metabolism, proto-oncogenic pathways (such as Wnt and JAK/STAT) and tumour suppressor mechanisms (p53) all seem to converge in this complex protein, which has the power to enhance or dampen signals to decide whether the cell survives or dies, despite not having itself the ability to significantly trigger pro-survival or pro-death signals. The gene discussed is TP53; the disease is neoplasm.