Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Detection of Aggregation-Prone Behavior in Mutant P53 V157F Breast Cancer Cells Using Multipoint Thioflavin T Fluorescence
Published on: December 30, 2025
Inter-relationship between microsatellite instability, thymidylate synthase expression, and p53 status in colorectal
Sanjay Popat1, Richard Wort, Richard S Houlston
1Section of Cancer Genetics, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5NG, UK. sanjay.popat@icr.ac.uk
Background:
Studies indicate that thymidylate synthase (TS) expression, p53 and mismatch repair status have potential to influence colorectal cancer (CRC) outcome. There is, however, little data on the inter-relationship between these three markers. We sought to investigate whether relationships exist between these markers that might contribute to CRC phenotypes.
Methods:
Four hundred and forty-one stage I-III CRCs were investigated. p53 status and TS expression were assessed by standard immunohistochemistry methods. Mismatch repair status was determined by assessment of microsatellite instability (MSI) using radiolabelled microsatellite genotyping.
Results:
244 tumours (55%) over-expressed p53, and 259 (58%) expressed high TS levels. 65 tumours (15%) had MSI. A significant relationship between p53 over-expression and high TS expression was observed (p = 0.01). This was independent of MSI status. A highly significant inverse relationship between MSI and p53 status was observed (p = 0.001). No relationship was seen between MSI status and TS expression (p = 0.59).
Conclusion:
Relationships exist between p53 status and TS expression, and MSI and p53 status. These inter-relationships may contribute to the clinical phenotype of CRCs associated with each of the molecular markers. High TS expression is unlikely to account for the clinical behaviour of CRCs with MSI.
Related Concept Videos
Abnormal Proliferation
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle
DNA Damage Can Stall the Cell Cycle
Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules