ABSENCE OF P15(INK4B) AND P16(INK4A) GENE ALTERATIONS IN PRIMARY CERVICAL-CARCINOMA TISSUES AND CELL-LINES WITH HUMAN-PAPILLOMAVIRUS INFECTION

Objective. Alterations of the p15(INK4B) and p16(INK4A) gene which are separated by 25 kb on chromosome 9p21 have been reported in various t umor-derived cell lines and primary tumors, but the role of these gene s in cervical cancer is unknown, To determine the frequency of deletio ns and point mutations of these genes in human cervical cancer, we exa mined for alterations of the p15(INK4B) and p16(INK4A) genes in cervic al carcinomas. Methods. We examined 57 primary tumors and matched norm al tissues and 3 cervical cancer-derived cell lines. All the tumor tis sues and cell lines were human papillomavirus (HPV) positive. Deletion s or point mutations of exon 2 of the p(INK4B) gene and exons 1, 2, an d 3 of the p16(INK3A) gene were examined by polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing, respectively. Results. Our data indicate no evi dence for intragenic homozygous deletion or point mutation in the prim ary cervical cancer tissues or cancer-derived cell lines. Conclusion, Deletions or point mutations in the p15(INK4B) Or p16(INK4A) gene may not be required for the development of HPV-positive cervical cancer or for establishment of cervical cancer cell lines. (C) 1998 Academic Pr ess.