Induction of differentiation by wild-type p53 gene in a human glioma cell line

Wild-type human p53 gene was transfected into the human glioma cell line T-98G. Transfectants were then isolated and characterized for growth potential and differentiation phenotype. Growth suppression, overexpression of GFAP, and accumulation in G1 phase were more commonly observed in transfectants than in T-98G cells. p21WAF1/CIP1 was overexpressed in transfectants, and the binding of PCNA and CDK 2 to p21WAF1/CIP1 were increased in transfectants. These results suggested the roles of p21WAF1/CIP1, PCNA, and CDK2 in regulation of differentiation in glioma cells and the gene transfer of wild-type p53 may be effective for the control of glial differentiation in glioma cells.