Anti-cancer genes explained simply
There are genes in our body that act as guardians, preventing cells from becoming cancerous. These genes, known as anti-cancer or tumor suppressor genes, play a crucial role in maintaining the body’s health. They control cell growth, repair DNA damage, and, if necessary, eliminate damaged cells to prevent tumor formation. When these genes malfunction due to mutations or damage, the likelihood of cells becoming cancerous increases.
TP53 gene: The body’s primary guardian
One of the most important anticancer genes is TP53, which produces a protein called p53. This protein is activated when the DNA of a cell is damaged or under abnormal conditions. p53 either prompts the cell to repair itself or, if the damage is too severe, destroys it to prevent cancer development. However, if this gene is impaired, damaged cells can grow uncontrollably and become cancerous. This occurs in over half of all cancers, such as breast, lung, and brain cancers.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes: Protectors of body cells
Two other well-known genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, also protect cells from cancer development. These genes help to repair damaged DNA. If someone inherits mutations in these genes, their risk of developing breast, ovarian, or even prostate cancer significantly increases. Women with these mutations may have up to a 70% chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. Genetic testing can now detect this risk early, allowing for the implementation of preventive measures.
PTEN gene: Regulator of cell growth
The PTEN gene is another anticancer gene that prevents excessive cell growth. If this gene fails to function properly, pathways in the body are activated, leading to rapid, uncontrolled cell growth. This can result in cancers such as prostate, uterine, and certain brain tumors. Research suggests that restoring the function of this gene could potentially stop cancer growth.
APC gene: Protector of the colon
The APC gene plays a vital role in maintaining intestinal health. It prevents excessive cell growth in the colon. If the APC gene malfunctions, numerous polyps may form in the colon, which can eventually develop into colorectal cancer. In some families, mutations in this gene are inherited, significantly increasing the risk of colorectal cancer.
Theological perspective
One of the beautiful aspects of the universe’s creation is that all elements contributing to life’s order are integrated into the grand design of creation. For example, without these anti-cancer genes, all living beings and humans would perish due to continuous and repeated mutations. Some may attribute this to evolution, but it must be noted that in a random universe with an evolutionary process absent a Creator, all living beings would perish due to successive mutations, lacking the opportunity to reproduce.
Imagine if the world had arisen by chance—how would cells know to incorporate anti-cancer genes to avoid mutations. Even if a cell had experienced cancer multiple times and recognized and incorporated these genes into its genome, no cells would remain to sustain life or pass on to future generations, as they would perish before reaching the stage of identifying and combating cancer.
Thus, there must inevitably be an external observer of the universe who facilitates the formation of genes that sustain weaker cells and even aid their evolution. Even when considering evolution, there must have been active intervention in cases such as anti-cancer genes, and random evolution without a Creator is practically impossible.
In verse 4 of Surah At-Tariq, God Almighty states:
“Indeed, every soul has a guardian” (At-Tariq: 4)
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