Mutational alterations of the p16(CDKN2A) tumor suppressor gene have low incidence in mesenchymal chondrosarcoma

Mutational inactivation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKIs) ( p16(INK4AMTS1)) tumor suppressor gene has been found in a variety of human tumor types. To investigate the involvement of CDKI abnormality in mesenchy mal chondrosarcoma, alterations of CDKIs were examined in human mesenchymal chondrosarcoma tissues using a quantitative DNA/PCR, PCR-SSCP. Seven of 33 specimens (21.2%) showed abnormally low levels of p16(CDKN2A) amplificatio n, suggesting that the allelic deletion of the gene might be a less frequen t event in progression of this tumor. To detect subtle sequence alterations such as point mutations, SSCP analysis of the entire coding region of the p16(CDKN2A) gene, exons 1, 2, and 3 regions, showed no altered SSCP pattern s in 33 mesenchymal chondrosarcoma specimens. A low incidence of genetic al terations of the p16(CDKN2A) WaS found in mesenchymal chondrosarcoma. Throu gh this study, we conclude that alteration of the p16(CDKN2A) gene does not participate significantly in the tumorigenesis of mesenchymal chondrosarco ma.