Expression of p53 in premalignant and malignant squamous epithelium.

Using three antibodies (JG8, CM-1 and 1081) directed to the p53 protein, strong positivity was found in 16/47 (34.0%) of mucosal squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck and in two squamous carcinoma cell lines (LICR-LON- HN5 and HN6Rr). The presence of the mutant p53 was confirmed in the cell lines as substitutions in exon 7 (codon 238, TGT greater than AGT) and exon 5 (codon 152, CCG greater than CTG) respectively. Positive staining was seen only in the undifferentiated cells and progressively lost as the cells keratinized, both in the tumour specimens and in the cell lines. Similar results were seen in areas of dysplasia, well removed from the site of the primary tumour. Staining of epidermal lesions showed positivity in 2/12 (16.6%) cases of Bowen's disease, 0/12 (0.0%) cases of solar keratosis, 0/10 (0.0%) basal cell carcinomas and in 3/20 (15.0%) squamous cell carcinomas. These results are discussed in relation to the multifocal origin of squamous cell carcinomas, the role of p53 mutations in squamous cell carcinomas from different sites and the significance of the 'basal' distribution of p53 as a normal growth regulator. The possible significance of the distribution of p53 in squamous epithelium as it relates to papilloma virus infection is also considered.