p21 Gene Expression in Mammalian Cells

Focusing on the molecular mechanisms of methyl isocyanate genotoxicity, the research investigates the impact on cell cycle regulatory proteins, particularly p21, in cultured mammalian cells. It explores how damage activates a cascade involving ATM, p53, and p21, leading to cell cycle arrest and potentially triggering DNA repair or apoptosis. Mutations in the p21 gene can disrupt these processes, contributing to cancer development. The study utilizes mouse cell lines MM55.K and NIH/3T3, employing various analytical techniques to assess p21 protein expression, all conducted under ethical guidelines.