46. The inactivation of p53 is a near-universal feature of human cancers. What is the most crucial consequence of p53 inactivation for cancer development?
(A) It directly activates oncogenes, such as Ras and Myc, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation.
(B) It allows cells to bypass the G1/S checkpoint, leading to a shortened call cycle and faster tumor growth.
(C) It prevents the repair of DNA damage, leading to a mutator phenotype and the rapid accumulation of further mutations.
(D) It allows cells to survive and proliferate despite cellular stress and DNA damage, conditions that would normally trigger apoptosis or cell-cycle arrest.
(E) It promotes angiogenesis and the recruitment of stromal cells to the tumor microenvironment.