[Expression of p16 gene in malignant lymphoma detected by immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization techniques].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression of p16 gene in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and its clinicopathological significance.


METHODS
Paraffin embedded biopsies from 64 patients with NHL were analysed for p16 gene expression by immunohistochemical methods and in situ hybridization technique.


RESULTS
Of the 64 NHL cases, 34(53.1%) were positive for p16 protein, 30(46.9%) lacked p16 protein, most of the positive signals were seen in the nuclei; 45(70.3%) were p16 mRNA positive, 19(29.7%) lost p16 mRNA and p16 mRNA was clearly observed in the cytoplasm of lymphocytes. p16 expression did not show correlation with such factors as sex, age and immunophenotype in NHL, but there was a significant difference between the pattern of expression of p16 in well differentiated lymphomas and poorly differentiated lymphomas (P < 0.05). Moreover, 42 patients were followed postoperatively for over 3 years, both p16 protein and mRNA correlated with the prognosis of these patients.


CONCLUSIONS
There was a higher incidence of negative expression of p16 mRNA and protein in NHL, which indicates that p16 gene inactivation may play an important role in the genesis and development of some NHL. The frequency of negative expression of p16 mRNA was lower than that of p16 protein suggests that it may be due to post-transcriptional regulation or the unsteadiness of mRNA or protein expressed. The positive expression of both p16 mRNA and p16 protein may be features for favorable prognosis in patients with NHL.
Liu
M
M
Department of Hematology, PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100085.
Lou
F
F
Ding
H
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D019941:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015870:Gene Expression; D019942:Genes, p16; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics
D019941:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16; D012333:RNA, Messenger