Loss of function in p53, often due to point mutations that create a dominant-negative effect or even a gain of function, accounts for approximately half of all cancers.

“loss of function in p53 probably accounts for half of all cancers correct right and I assume that you have to lose both copies of it or is losing one copy sufficient well what happens in most of the time is not deletion of p53 but rather a point mutation that reduces function it's more of a dominant negative so in fact there's even evidence that there's a gain of function so there are hotspot mutations in p53 that are very common in cancer and p53 functions as a heterodimer and what these mutant p53 s do is that they end up entering into a dimer with bio type subunits and that interferes with the function of the complex so yes in that respect it can be well loss of function of the p53 heterodimer but there's evidence that it not only causes a loss of function but it actually may do other things as well that are cancer promoting”

“P-53 is itself so important to cancer biology that over 50% of all adult cancers have a mutated or broken p-53 gene. Keeping our p-53 working well is very important.”