Analysis of p53 gene mutations in human cancer: the link between epidemiology and carcinogenesis

The development of data base repertories of these gene mutations is a valua ble and indispensable tool in the search for genotype/phenotype correlation s and in the study of mechanisms of mutagenesis. In this respect the analys is of the pattern of p53 mutations has become a paradigm. Indeed, the study of mutational events constitutes a true "molecular" type of archeology and has the potential to elucidate the origin of the mutations. The possibilit y of uncovering a direct link between the development of a certain type of cancer following exposure to a carcinogen, and a specific mutation already documented in animal studies opens important new perspectives in public hea lth.