suppressor mutation

A suppressor mutation is a type of mutation that counteracts the effect of another mutation, restoring the original phenotype. This can occur through various mechanisms, including mutations in different genes that compensate for the first mutation.1

In genetics, a "suppressor" can refer to a mutant gene that suppresses the expression of another non-allelic mutant gene when both are present. A notable example is the tumor suppressor gene, which normally regulates cell growth. When these genes are damaged or mutated, they can contribute to cancer development. These genes encode proteins that inhibit cell proliferation, crucial for normal development. Mutations in tumor suppressor genes, such as RB and TP53, are implicated in many types of cancer.234