Is Blimp1 a transcription factor?
Ataxia-telangiectasia is a genetic disorder that causes a person to lose his or her coordination. It’s caused by a mutation in the *ATM* gene. This gene is called “the guardian of the genome.” It protects the cell from getting cancer. The ATM gene has a lot of responsibilities in keeping the cell healthy.
It controls the production of DNA repair enzymes. Without it, the cell will divide in an uncontrolled way. It also stops the cell from making cancerous cells. Blimp1 helps the ATM gene to regulate many genes.
A person who has ataxia-telangiectasia can’t Blimp-1 control the cell’s growth. The ATM gene may be defective in ataxia-telangiectasia. The person with ataxia-telangiectasia might be missing this gene.
He or she might also have some mutations in the other genes involved in controlling the cell’s growth and differentiation. Some people have a mutation in one of these genes. All of these mutations may contribute to making the person’s cells unstable and may lead to cancer.