P16 Deletion LPH009

Deletions of chromosome 9p21 are implicated in a wide variety of tumours including approximately 10% of paediatric ALL patients though the incidence is higher in T-ALL. The region has been the subject of much study but deletion of the potential tumour suppressor gene P16 was found to take place in 90% of newly diagnosed cases of paediatric ALL showing cytogenetic deletions of 9p21by FISH. The gene product inhibits the Cyclin Dependent Kinases important in controlling the cell cycle so disruptions of this process are likely to result in the proliferation of mutated cells.