Mutations in TAP genes are common in cervical carcinomas.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether squamous cervical cancers exhibit mutations or deletions in MHC class I genes or transport-associated protein (TAP) genes.


METHODS
Polymerase chain reaction based protocols were used to examine HLA class I and TAP genes in a panel of cervical tumours, using DNA from corresponding blood samples as controls. SSP-PCR protocols were similarly used for examination of all TAP alleles in tumour and blood samples.


RESULTS
In a series of cervical carcinomas, 7 of 27 (26%) exhibited mutations in HLA-A genes, while 12 of 23 (52%) exhibited mutations in TAP genes. HLA gene mutations were detected in 2 of 14 CIN2-3 lesions, and TAP gene mutations in none of 14, a frequency significantly less than observed in the cervical carcinoma samples (P<0.01). The TAP 2A/2B heterozygous genotype was observed with increased frequency in patients with cervical cancer compared to population controls (P<0.02).


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that TAP genes may be relevant to evolution of cervical cancer from precursor lesions.
Centre for Immunology and Cancer Research, University of Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.
Nina L
NL
Fowler
Ian H
IH
Frazer
D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; D000483:Alleles; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D017353:Gene Deletion; D015234:HLA-A Antigens / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D009154:Mutation; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology
D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; D015234:HLA-A Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; C477327:transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP)