The molecular epidemiology of p53 gene mutations in human breast cancer.
The P53 tumor-suppressor gene is an advantageous tool for analyzing the molecular epidemiology of cancer. We describe the utility of the P53 gene as a 'mutagen test' and a prognostic indicator in breast cancer. Aspects of study design and methodology are discussed. Two major conclusions emerge: (1) there is an extraordinary diversity of mutational patterns among cohorts, hinting that the unique biology of mammary cells results in exposure to high doses of a diversity of ingested lipophilic mutagens; and (2) mutations in the P53 gene predict poor outcome in breast cancer.
Hartmann
A
A
University of Regensberg, Germany. arndt.hartmann@klinik.uni.regensburg.de
Blaszyk
H
H
Kovach
J S
JS
Sommer
S S
SS
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D016158:Genes, p53 / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D009153:Mutagens / Q000633:toxicity; D009154:Mutation; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics*
D009153:Mutagens; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53