Protein protects cells from cancer with 1-2-3 punch.

The article discusses the role of the protein p53 to stop cancer development by sensing stress, such as damage to DNA, and activating the genes that prevent cell division. Topics include an overview of a study published in the July 23, 2009 issue of "Nature," by scientists at the University of Tokyo, who discovered the ability of p53 to slice RNA into small regulatory molecules called microRNAs which help control protein production and what happens to people who have low levels of p53.