DNA binding to anti-cancer protein p53. Molecular model of DNA (pink) binding to the anti-cancer protein p53 (also known as tumour protein 53, or TP53). This protein plays a role in repairing DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), and can be activated by and work against oncogenes (genes that promote cancer). It can also initiate cell death if the DNA damage is too great. p53 works by binding to DNA in cell nuclei, and may be used in anti-cancer treatments. Mutations in p53 are thought to contribute to around half of human cancer cases. The structure here shows p53's four DNA binding domains (dark blue), as well as its four transactivation domains (purple-blue, right and left).