Elephants (genus Loxodonta) have approximately 20 copies of the tumor suppressor gene TP53 (p53) while humans (Homo sapiens) have a single copy; the p53 protein can trigger cell death (apoptosis), initiate DNA repair, and inhibit cell division to limit propagation of pre-cancerous cells.
November 24, 2025
high
genetic
Copy number expansion of tumor suppressor genes is one documented evolutionary strategy in large, long-lived animals to reduce cancer risk.