RESUMO
Background: The CDKN2A gene encodes a cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor, p16, which promotes cell cycle arrest. Methylation of the promoter region trans-criptionally inactivates the gene. Aim: To study the relationship between methylation status of the prometer region of p16 gene, the immunohistochemical expression of p16 and clinical and morphological features of gallbladder carcinoma. Material and methods: We analyzed the methylation status of the promoter region of the CDKN2A gene in gallbladder adenocarcinomas using methylation specific PCR (MSP). We also used microsatellite markers near the CDKN2A gene to detect allelic imbalance (AI) and examined the tumors by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for p16 expression. Results: Of 38 gallbladder adenocarcinomas analyzed by IHC, 11 cases (29%) were negative for p16 protein. Nine (24%) had methylation of the promoter region of the CDKN2A gene. Twenty nine cases were negative for methylation, but four (14%) of these 29 exhibited AI at one or more of the microsatellite markers. CDKN2A promoter methylation was not associated with microsatellite instability (MSI-H). Conclusions: The inactivation of CDKN2A by methylation and/or deletion might play an important role in gallbladder carcinogenesis.