BACKGROUNDTo investigate the expression of p63 gene and its significance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and pulmonary benign disease tissues.

METHODSp63 gene mRNA expression (TAp63 and ΔNp63) was detected in 40 NSCLC and 10 pulmonary benign disease tissues by RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase-PCR) technique, and immunohistochemical method was used to observe p63 protein expression in the above tissues.

RESULTSΔNp63 mRNA overexpression was observed in 18 squamous cell carcinoma (18/23), 1 bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (1/6) and 2 paracancerous tissues of squamous cell carcinoma (2/23). There was no expression of TAp63 both in NSCLC and benign disease tissues of the lung. Immunochemistry showed that the positive rate and intensity of p63 protein expression were significantly higher in squamous cell carcinoma than those in adenocarcinoma and benign disease tissues of the lung ( P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSp63 gene is mainly amplified in squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. It may act as an oncogene in the carcinogenesis and development of squamous cell carcinoma.