Abnormalities in p53 and DNA content in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if transitional cell tumours of the bladder which contain mutations in the p53 gene have alterations in their DNA content.


METHODS
In 33 transitional cell tumours of the bladder, DNA content was determined by flow cytometry and compared with expression of mutant p53 as assessed by immuno-histochemistry.


RESULTS
Abnormal DNA content was associated with increased staining for p53 (P < 0.05), high tumour stage (P < 0.001) and increased histological grade (P < 0.01). Although positive staining for p53 was frequently associated with abnormal DNA content, a significant number of non-diploid tumours stained negatively for mutant p53.


CONCLUSIONS
These data demonstrate that increased staining for p53 is associated with abnormalities in DNA content suggesting that mutation of the p53 gene is associated with an increased rate of chromosomal abnormalities and an increased rate of cell proliferation.
Department of Urology, Freeman Hospital, UK.
K
K
Mellon
S
S
Wilkinson
J
J
Vickers
M C
MC
Robinson
B K
BK
Shenton
D E
DE
Neal
D002295:Carcinoma, Transitional Cell / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D009154:Mutation; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011003:Ploidies; D011379:Prognosis; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000235:genetics*; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology
D004273:DNA, Neoplasm; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53