Expression of novel p53 isoforms in oral lichen planus

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown origin, showing little spontaneous regression. WHO classifies OLP as a premalignant condition, however, the underlying mechanisms initiating development of cancer in OLP lesions are not understood. The p53 tumour suppressor plays an important role in many tumours, and an increased expression of p53 protein has been seen in OLP lesions. Recently it was shown that the human TP53 gene encodes at least nine different isoforms. Another member of the p53 family, p63, comprises six different isoforms and plays a crucial role in the formation of oral mucosa, salivary glands, teeth and skin. It has also been suggested that p63 is involved in development of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). In contrast to p53, a decreased expression of p63 protein has been seen in OLP lesions. In this study, we mapped the expression of five novel p53 isoforms at RNA and protein levels in OLP and matched normal controls. In the same samples we also measured levels of p63 isoforms using quantitative RT–PCR. Results showed p53 to be expressed in all OLP lesions and normal tissues. The p53β and Δ133p53 isoforms were expressed in the majority of samples whereas the remaining three novel isoforms analysed were expressed in only a few samples. Levels of p63 isoforms were lower in OLP lesions compared with normal tissue, however, changes were not statistically significant.