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The Role of K-Ras and P53 in Biliary Tract Carcinoma

Saara Ahmad1, Bisma Badr2, Asra Khan3

  • 1Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, The Aga Khan University, Karachi.

JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
|January 2, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

K-Ras and p53 mutations are common in biliary tract carcinomas. K-Ras mutations occur more frequently than p53 inactivation in these cancers.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Biliary tract carcinomas (BTCs) are aggressive cancers with limited treatment options.
  • Proto-oncogene K-Ras (Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog) and tumor suppressor gene p53 are frequently mutated in various cancers.
  • Understanding the specific roles of K-Ras and p53 mutations in BTC pathogenesis is crucial for developing targeted therapies.

Approach:

  • A systematic review of research articles published between 2002 and 2019 was conducted.
  • PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched using keywords related to K-Ras, p53, mutation, and biliary tract carcinoma.
  • Articles were screened for relevance, excluding duplicates, irrelevant studies, posters, presentations, symposiums, and experiments involving bile aspirations.

Key Points:

  • Out of 72 reviewed articles, 11 met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review.
  • Three studies reported a positive correlation between K-Ras mutations and BTC.
  • One study indicated a correlation between p53 inactivation and BTC, while four studies associated both K-Ras mutations and p53 inactivation with BTC.

Conclusions:

  • Both K-Ras mutations and p53 inactivation play a role in the development of biliary tract carcinomas.
  • K-Ras mutations are observed with a significantly higher frequency compared to p53 inactivation in BTC.
  • Further research into the specific mechanisms and therapeutic targeting of these mutations in BTC is warranted.
Keywords:
P53, K-Ras, Mutation, Biliary tract carcinoma, Cholangiocarcinoma, Murine models.

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