Loss of p53 function in colon cancer cells results in increased phosphocholine and total choline

Mutations in the p53 gene are the most frequently observed genetic lesions in human cancers. Human cancers that contain a p53 mutation are more aggressive, more apt to metastasize, and more often fatal. p53 controls numerous downstream targets that can influence various outcomes such as apoptosis, growth arrest, and DNA repair. Based on previous observations using (1)H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), we have identified choline phospholipid metabolite intensities typical of increased malignancy. Here we have used (1)H MRS to characterize the choline phospholipid metabolite levels of p53(+/ +) and p53(-/-) cells, and demonstrated that loss of p53 function results in increased phosphocholine and total choline. These data suggest that the increased malignancy of cancer cells resulting from loss of p53 may be mediated, in part, through the choline phospholipid pathway.