Immunohistochemical Expression of p16, p21, p27 and Cyclin D1 in Oral Nevi and Melanoma

Abstract

The acquisition of abnormalities at G1/S is considered a crucial step in the genesis and progression of melanoma. The expression of cell cycle regulators has also been used in various neoplasms as an adjunct to diagnosis. The aim of this study was to compare the expression of p16, p21, p27 and cyclin D1 in oral nevi and melanomas. Expression of these cell cycle regulatory proteins was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 51 oral melanocytic lesions, including 38 intramucosal nevi and 13 primary oral melanomas. p16 and p27 were highly expressed in intramucosal nevi, whereas p21 and cyclin D1 expression was higher in oral melanomas. The results indicate that p21 and cyclin D1 may be involved in the development of oral melanomas, and eventually they may be useful in the differential diagnoses of oral benign and malignant melanocytic lesions.

Stromal myofibroblasts in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue in young patients – a multicenter collaborative study

“…26 Briefly, the reactions were conducted on 3 mm sections of the original formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues, which were dewaxed with xylene and then hydrated in an ethanol series. Antigen retrieval was carried out, and endogenous peroxidase activity was blocked using 10% hydrogen peroxide in five baths, each of 5 minutes.…”

p16 Expression Is Lost in Severely Atypical Cellular Blue Nevi and Melanoma Compared to Conventional, Mildly, and Moderately Atypical Cellular Blue Nevi

“…p16 has been shown to be decreased or absent in melanoma compared to benign melanocytic nevi [9–13], including congenital melanocytic nevi [14]. This loss of p16 staining in melanoma compared to benign nevi has also been found to occur in noncutaneous sites such as the oral mucosa and conjunctiva [15, 16]. Furthermore, p16 has also been shown to be helpful for discriminating special types of nevi, such as Spitz nevi, from melanoma [17, 18], including differentiating desmoplastic Spitz nevi from desmoplastic melanoma [19].…”

Expression of p16 protein in infantile hemangioma

“…This therefore inhibits cell proliferation, making p16 a key negative regulatory factor in the process of cell proliferation (9-11). The p16 gene and its protein are altered in the majority of human primary tumors, including gliomas, melanoma, head and neck cancer and gastric cancer (12)(13)(14). Inactivation (deletion or mutation) and 5' CpG island methylation are the main forms of change for the p16 protein.…”