Evolution of human genome's 'guardian' gives people unique protections from DNA damage

Human evolution has created enhancements in key genes connected to the p53 regulatory network – the so-called guardian of the genome – by creating additional safeguards in human genes to boost the network’s ability to guard against DNA damage that could cause cancer or a variety of genetic diseases, an international team of scientists led by Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center writes in the Jan. 22 Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.