p53: The gene that took a decade to become itself

If you have ever heard p53 (a protein encoded by the TP53 gene) called “the guardian of the genome,” you might picture a wise molecular sentry that patrols DNA, stops cell cycles, and flips apoptosis switches like a seasoned air-traffic controller. But p53 didn’t make its debut as a heroic gene. p53, actually, began as a mysterious band on a gel as a stubborn ~53 kDa shadow that kept showing up…