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.
Fowler
Nina L
NL
Centre for Immunology and Cancer Research, University of Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.
Frazer
Ian H
IH
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)