Changes of the p16 gene but not the p53 gene in human chondrosarcoma tissues

The role of two important tumour suppressor genes, p16 and p53, was evaluat ed in cartilaginous tumour tissues. Genomic DNA from 22 chondrosarcomas, 5 benign chondroid tumours, 1 sample of reactive proliferative cartilage and 2 samples of normal cartilage were analysed using polymerase chain reaction , single strand conformational polymorphism, DNA sequencing and methylation -specific polymerase chain reaction. The p16 gene was found to be partly me thylated in 5 high-grade chondrosarcomas and homozygously deleted in 1 chon drosarcoma Moreover, a polymorphism was detected in 3 malignant tumours, bu t not in benign tumours or normal cartilage. Analysis of the p53 gene revea led an unchanged structure in all samples. These findings show a role for p 16, but not p53, in chondrosarcoma. (C) Wiley-Liss. Inc.