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P53 oncoprotein expression and gene mutations in some keratoacanthomas
1Department of Dermatology, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, St Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, USA.
Archives of Dermatology
|February 1, 1997
Summary
Over 90% of keratoacanthomas (KAs) show p53 oncoprotein overexpression. This overexpression was linked to p53 gene mutations in a small subset of KAs, suggesting a potential role in tumor development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatopathology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Keratoacanthomas (KAs) are common skin tumors.
- The p53 oncoprotein is a tumor suppressor protein.
- Alterations in p53 are implicated in various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between p53 oncoprotein overexpression and p53 gene mutations in keratoacanthomas.
- To determine the prevalence of p53 alterations in KA specimens.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical staining was used to assess p53 oncoprotein expression in 16 KA specimens.
- DNA extracted from KAs was analyzed for p53 gene mutations using single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) and direct sequencing.
Main Results:
- p53 oncoprotein was detected in 94% of the analyzed KA specimens.
- Two point mutations in the p53 gene were identified in 2 of the 16 KAs.
- Specific mutations included alterations in exon 5 and exon 7, predicting amino acid substitutions.
Conclusions:
- The study found a high prevalence of p53 oncoprotein overexpression in keratoacanthomas.
- A small fraction of KAs exhibited p53 gene mutations associated with this overexpression.
- These findings suggest a potential role for p53 gene mutations in the pathogenesis of some keratoacanthomas.