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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Analysis of Cell Cycle Position in Mammalian Cells
12:19

Analysis of Cell Cycle Position in Mammalian Cells

Published on: January 21, 2012

Analysis of cell cycle regulator proteins in non-small cell lung cancer

V Esposito1, A Baldi, G Tonini

  • 1Third Division of Infective Diseases, D. Cotugno Hospital, Naples 80100, Italy.

Journal of Clinical Pathology
|December 25, 2003
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Cell cycle regulators p21, p16, and p53 are frequently altered in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Loss of p16 significantly impacts survival, indicating RB-p16 pathway inactivation in lung tumors.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Cell cycle checkpoint abnormalities are hallmarks of cancer.
  • Investigating cell cycle proteins is crucial for understanding tumorigenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the expression of p21, p16, p53, and PCNA in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
  • To analyze the coregulation of these proteins and their impact on patient survival.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry was used to assess protein expression in 68 NSCLC specimens.
  • Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate survival correlations.

Main Results:

  • p21, p16, and p53 expression, but not PCNA, correlated with survival in univariate analysis.
  • p16 was the sole significant predictor of overall survival in multivariate analysis, supporting RB-p16 pathway inactivation.
  • Patients negative for both p21 and p16 exhibited significantly shorter overall survival.

Conclusions:

  • Loss of cell cycle checkpoint control is prevalent in lung cancers.
  • Functional cooperation among cell cycle inhibitors is vital for tumor suppression.
  • These findings highlight potential therapeutic targets in NSCLC.

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