EXPRESSION OF THE P53 GENE IN TROPHOBLASTIC CELLS IN HYDATIDIFORM MOLES AND NORMAL HUMAN PLACENTAS

In this study we compared the expression of p53 in six early placentas and eight hydatidiform moles using Northern blotting. A higher expres sion of p53 in hydatidiform moles as compared to normal placentas of c omparable gestational age was observed. Immunohistochemical studies di d not detect mutant protein of p53 in the hydatidiform moles. DNA sequ encing was performed on four of the hydatidiform moles with increased expression of p53, but no mutations could be detected. The possible ro le of p53 in the pathogenesis of hydatidiform mole is discussed.