ABSENCE OF P53 MUTATIONS IN MALIGNANT MESOTHELIOMAS

Mutations in the p53 gene are the most common genetic alterations foun d in human malignancies. In this study, a search was done for mutation s in the conserved regions of the p53 gene in malignant mesotheliomas. Thirteen malignant mesotheliomas collected over the preceding 12 yr a nd maintained in paraffin blocks were examined by polymerase chain rea ction (PCR) followed by both single-strand conformation polymorphism ( SSCP) and denaturing gradient-gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Direct seque nce analysis was performed in cases suspected for mutations. No mutati ons in exons 5 to 8 of the p53 gene were detected. Our results suggest that malignant transformation of human mesothelioma cells does not re quire inactivation of p53 by point mutations in the conserved regions of the gene.