Green Tea Compound Plays Sidekick to Guardian of the Genome

The p53 gene is a tumor suppressor gene that is referred to as the “guardian of the genome,” for its ability to repair DNA damage or destroy cancerous cells. A new study by researchers at the Rensselaer Polytecnhic Institute reports that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an antioxidant found in green tea, may increase levels of p53. Their study points to a new target for cancer drug discovery.