A dynamic study of p53 gene mutations in the development of colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence / 中华消化杂志

ABSTRACT

p53 gene mutations and their expression in protein levels of colorectal adenomas, carcinomas and regional lymph nodes metastasis were detected by PCR-SSCP and AB-PAP immunohistochemical analysis, respectively. The results showed that p53 gene mutations were detected in 25% colorectal adenomas, 80% carcinomas and 100% regional lymph nodes metastasis. Meanwhile, p53 proteins were detected at rates of 75%, 60% and 57% in these three groups, respectively. It is suggested that p53 gene mutations occur frequently at late stage of progression to colorectal adenoma-carcinoma sequence and may relate to its metastasis, while the accumulation of p53 protein may be a specific genetic alteration initiated from adenomatous stage. Thus, the biological significances of the two genetic alterations are different. Investigations of these concomitantly would be helpful in understanding the malignant potential of adenoma and evaluation of its staging.