p53 tumor suppressor gene protein expression in premalignant and malignant skin lesions of kidney transplant recipients.
BACKGROUND
Kidney transplant recipients have an increased incidence of skin cancer, the cause of which is likely multifactorial. Inactivation of the tumor suppressor gene p53 protein may be important. Chemoprophylaxis of skin cancer with retinoids is beneficial in these patients.


OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of p53 protein in premalignant and malignant cutaneous lesions in kidney transplant recipients and the effect of low-dose etretinate on p53 expression.


METHODS
Paraffin sections were stained with the monoclonal antibody DO-7.


RESULTS
Immunoreactivity of p53 was observed in 59% of basal cell carcinomas and more than 60% of squamous cell carcinomas, Bowen's disease, dysplastic lesions, and viral warts. No demonstrable effect of etretinate on p53 expression could be determined.


CONCLUSIONS
The high prevalence of p53 immunoreactivity in premalignant and malignant skin lesions of kidney transplant recipients supports a role for p53 protein in skin cancer. This could be caused by mutation of the p53 gene, inactivation, or failure of degradation of p53 protein.
Gibson
G E
GE
Department of Dermatology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
O'Grady
A
A
Kay
E W
EW
Leader
M
M
Murphy
G M
GM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000378:metabolism*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000378:metabolism; D005050:Etretinate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007641:Keratolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008872:Microwaves; D008875:Middle Aged; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000378:metabolism*; D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen / Q000032:analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000528:radiation effects
D007641:Keratolytic Agents; D018809:Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; D005050:Etretinate