Suppressor Genes

Suppressor genes are DNA sequences responsible for silencing, or "suppressing", the expression of genes in a cell. This can occur by preventing the corresponding gene from producing its expected output (protein product) or by reducing the level of expression of the gene. Suppressor genes are essential to the proper functioning of an organism, providing a key role in the regulation of gene expression, including the control of cell growth and development. They may also be involved in disease when mutated or otherwise non-functional. As such, suppressor genes play a vital role in many aspects of cellular biology and have been studied extensively in the fields of cancer and genetics.