The Curious Clinicians [Archive] Tusks and Tumor Suppressors
Oct 16, 2024
Hannah Abrams, an expert in cancer biology, discusses the fascinating reasons why elephants experience significantly lower rates of cancer compared to humans. Joined by medical professional Tony Brew, they dive into the role of the P53 gene and its multiple copies in enhancing elephants' cancer resistance. The conversation touches on evolutionary biology, comparing other large mammals like whales, and the implications of this unique genetic advantage. Explore the intriguing relationship between size, genetics, and cancer across species!
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Tony Brew's Elephant Encounter
- Tony Brew shares meeting elephants living together for 40 years, marveling at their longevity.
- Despite their large size and numerous cells, elephants surprisingly have low cancer rates, which is intriguing.
Understanding Peto's Paradox
- Peto's Paradox reveals bigger, longer-lived animals don't have increased cancer rates.
- This challenges the expectation that more cells and time mean higher cancer risk.
Evolutionary Cancer Control in Elephants
- Elephants evolved cancer suppression mechanisms alongside increased body size.
- TP53 gene and its protein product, P53, play key roles in this evolutionary protection.