[Mutation frequency of the p16/CDKN2 gene and amplification of the cyclin E gene in human primary gastric carcinomas].

There are many observations of genetic alterations of genes when a cell enters into S phase from G1. Here we report that four (16%) of 25 primary esophageal carcinomas were found to be mutated in the p16/CDKN2 gene, and that no mutations were observed in 19 surgical specimens of gastric adenocarcinomas. No amplification of the Cyclin D1 gene in gastric carcinoma has been known, while amplification of the Cyclin E gene was observed in six (14%) of 42 surgical specimens of gastric carcinomas.