Objective: To figure out the mechanism of p16 gene inactivation in human bladder transitional cell carcinoma (BTCC).
Methods: p16 gene was analyzed for genetic alterations by Southern blot analysis, PCR-SSCP and DNA methylation analysis in 52 cases of transitional cell carcinoma of bladder.
Results: p16 gene deletion was found in 11 of 52 (21.15%) BTCCs, only one tumor showed point mutation on p16 exon 2, nineteen cases of BTCCs (36.53%) showed p16 gene 5' CpG island methylation.
Conclusion: There was a statistically significant association between p16 gene deletion and early stage, well differentiated tumors. Additionally, a statistically significant correlation was also noticed between p16 gene 5' CpG island methylation and tumors in late stage with poor cell differentiation.