DETECTION OF P53 MUTATIONS IN BENIGN AND DYSPLASTIC NEVI

We have examined melanocytic cells derived directly from fresh biopsy tissue for the presence of p53 mutations. Using selective media that p ermits growth of melanocytes and inhibits growth of fibroblasts and ke ratinocytes, we established short-term, primary cultures of melanocyte s from skin biopsies of common acquired nevi, dysplastic nevi, and fro m metastatic melanoma. Using PCR-single-stranded conformational polymo rphism analysis, we have detected p53 mutations in 2 of 11 benign comp ound nevi and 2 of 5 dysplastic nevi. All nevi positive for p53 mutati ons were derived from patients who previously had cutaneous moles and three of the four had a family and/or personal history of melanoma.