Analysis of p53 Gene Mutation in Basal Cell Carcinoma in Korean Patients

Background : There were few data on the gene mutations involved in the development of basal cell carcinoma(BCC) in Korean. Objective : To gain insight into the role of p53 gene mutations of BCC in Koreans. Methods : Fifteen BCCs were screened for mutation of the p53 gene. Immunohistochemical staining was done on the paraffin sections using a labelled streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method with the primary antibody against p53 protein. Analysis of p53 mutation was done by non-isotopic RNase cleavage assay and direct sequencing. Results : Mutation of p53 gene was found in 40%(6/15) of the cases. One case showed mutations in exon 6, one in exon 6 and intron 8, two in exon 8, one in exon 9, and one in intron 5. But ultraviolet specific CT change was detected in only one case. Immunohistochemical expression of p53 was seen in 40%(6/15), but its expression did not coincide with p53 gene mutation. Conclusion : Ultraviolet specific mutations of p53 were much less frequent in Korean than in Caucasian, suggesting other etiologies than ultraviolet radiation.