Many physiological processes require cell proliferation, starting with the rapid division of progenitor cells during embryogenesis, through the fast turnover of skin, intestinal and bone marrow-derived cells, and up to the robust cell proliferation during wound healing. In all those cases a cellular proliferation program needs to be executed, yet be terminated in a timely, precisely controlled manner. When the machinery in charge of regulating this process breaks down, cancer develops. Conversely, overreaction of the shutoff machinery might compromise tissue integrity, possibly spawning developmental defects, organ dysfunction and accelerated aging. Keeping the delicate balance between normal and excessive proliferation is the prime function of many tumor suppressors, hence their frequent loss in cancer.
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