No evidence for overexpression of the p53 protein and mutations in exons 4-9 of the p53 gene in a large family with adenomatous polyposis.

OBJECTIVE

Familial adenomatous polyposis coli (FAP) is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by an early onset of numerous adenomatous polyps of the colon and a high risk of colon carcinoma. The role of the p53 gene in the multistage process of FAP is as yet poorly defined. In the present study, a large family with evidence of polyposis and colon cancer was screened for the mutations of the p53 gene and protein overexpression.

METHODS

We examined p53 protein expression from individuals with immunohistochemical techniques using monoclonal antibody PAb1801. Polymerase chain reaction products of exons 4-9 of the p53 were examined from individuals by single strand, conformational polymorphism analysis.

RESULTS

We could find no evidence of overexpression and mutations of the p53 in any lesion including adenomas and carcinomas.

CONCLUSION

We found that p53 gene alterations do not contribute to the genesis of adenoma or carcinoma of FAP patients for this large family examined.