Arg Allele of P53 Gene Codon72 is a Risk Factor for Breast Cancer in Senegalese Women

Abstract

The proline rich domain of the P53 tumor suppressor protein is necessary for the induction of apoptosis. A common polymorphism, Proline-72-Arginine, alters structural and biological properties of P53 . The Arginine allele has been suggested as a risk factor for breast cancer. We investigate by association and segregation studies, the role of Arg72 allele as a risk factor in sporadic and familial breast cancer in Senegalese women. Eighty patients diagnosed with breast cancer followed up at the Curie Institute in Dakar, and eighty-five healthy controls without known cancer, were recruited after informed consent. For each individual, DNA was extracted from whole blood and codon 72 polymorphism genotyped by PCR-RFLP. Our results showed an increased risk for patients carrying Arg/ Arg and Arg/Pro genotypes compared to those carrying Pro/Pro (p<0.03). Similarly, the Arg allele was associated with an increased risk (p<0.03). The codon 72 of P53 might be involved in susceptibility to breast cancer.