Which gene causes cancer when it is absent from the genome?

Answer 1

Cancers are caused by the accumulation of genetic defects not just one genetic error. The current theory holds that cancer is a multiple step process involving at least introduction of oncogenes (actively promoting cell growth) either by mutation of viral introduction and disabling of tumor suppressor genes.

In other words, your question is probably not phrased correctly.

Tumor suppressor genes such as p53 are often mutated in cancers but, they do NOT cause cancer. Tumor suppressor genes do what they imply: they suppress tumors by acting as a safeguard against propragation of errors to the genome (by signalling cell suicide - apoptosis).

Estimates of 50-90% of all cancers have an altered p53 gene.

Answer 2

the most common is a gene for a protein called p53, which arrests the cell cycle when there are errors in DNA replication, and triggers apoptosis (cell suicide) if the damage is too severe.

Answer 3

i will agree with the one above, p53 is most common one