Open AccessMechanisms of p53 loss in human sarcomas.
Author(s) -
Lois M. Mulligan,
Greg Matlashewski,
Heidi Scrable,
Webster K. Cavenee
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.87.15.5863
Subject(s) - biology , rhabdomyosarcoma , allele , locus (genetics) , gene , rna , genetics , cancer research , osteosarcoma , gene expression , neoplastic transformation , point mutation , tumor suppressor gene , sarcoma , carcinogenesis , mutation , pathology , medicine
An important role for the p53 gene in neoplastic transformation in vitro and in vivo has been imputed by functional studies and identification of tumor-acquired gene defects or alterations in its expression. To study the generality and mechanisms of p53 alteration in human cancer, we examined 241 tumors of several types for structural aberrations of the locus. Alterations of the gene or its RNA or protein products consistent with loss of function by either recessive or dominant mechanisms were identified among this set uniquely in rhabdomyosarcomas and osteosarcomas. The alterations of p53 in rhabdomyosarcoma tumors included cases with complete deletion of both p53 alleles, complete deletions of one allele with or without point mutation of the remaining allele, and absence of detectable RNA. Similarly, we detected homozygous deletion and lack of expression of p53 RNA or aberrant expression of p53 protein in osteosarcomas. These observations provide strong support for the inclusion of the p53 locus in the group of loci whose functional inactivation by either dominant or recessive modes plays a significant role in human cancer.