In frame deletion of intron-7 in the p53 gene in a human tonsil tumor.

We here report a unique intron deletion in the p53 gene. Analysis of a human tonsil tumor that expressed elevated levels of p53 showed a deletion of the entire intron 7 in one of the p53 alleles, leaving the coding sequence intact. The significance of the intron 7 deletion for the development of the tonsil tumor is discussed.