THE P53 TUMOR-SUPPRESSOR GENE - A MODEL FOR MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY OFHUMAN CANCER

The gene encoding the tumour suppressor protein p53 is one of the most commonly mutated genes in human cancers, Analysis of the mutational e vents that target the p53 gene has revealed evidence for both exogenou s and endogenous mutational mechanisms, For example, the p53 mutationa l spectrum reveals evidence for a direct causal effect of ultraviolet radiation in skin cancer, of aflatoxin B1 in liver cancer and of tobac co smoke in lung cancer, This novel field, molecular epidemiology of h uman cancer risk, has added a new dimension to classical associative e pidemiology by providing a direct link between human cancer and carcin ogen exposure.