Expressions and Mutations of p73 gene in HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma and adjacent tissues

Objective To determine the expression and mutation of p73 gene in human HBV associated hepatocellular carcinoma and adjacent tissues.Methods The expressions of p73 gene were observed by RT PCR among liver cancer and tissues adjacent to tumor and normal liver tissues;at the same time,mutations of p73 gene were also examined by SSCP method.Results Level of transcripts of p73 gene in liver cancer was obviously higher than that in adjacent tissued or normal liver tissues ( P 0.05);However,polymorphisms of amplificated fragments of p73 gene among these three tissues were with one accord,with no differences( P 0.05).Conclusions No obvious gene mutation of p73 gene,which was a newly discoved tumour suppressor gene,was found,oppositely level of expression of p73 gene was apparently increased,so p73 gene may involve in the development of HBV associated hepatocellular carcinoma in a high expression manner.