Direct sequencing of the p53 gene shows absence of mutations in endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinomas expressing p53 protein

Aims: To investigate the mutational status of the p53 gene (Tp53) in endome trial carcinomas expressing p53 protein by direct gene sequencing. Methods and results: Eighteen cases of endometrial carcinoma, selected on t he basis of p53 protein expression as detected immunohistochemically by the monoclonal antibody DO7, were microdissected in the p53 positive areas. DN A was extracted and subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for exons 5-8 which code for conserved areas containing mutational hot-spots, The PCR amplified material was then sequenced using an ABI automated sequencer and analysed using BLAST software at the NCBI web site. All sequences analysed were wild-type. Conclusion: The results confirm that expression of p53 protein may occur in endometrial adenocarcinoma without mutation and may be due to stabilizatio n of the protein during its normal function, possibly by an mdm2 mediated p rocess.