DatasheetSDS

p16, also known as cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A, CDKN2A or multiple tumor suppressor 1, plays an essential role in controlling the cell cycle. It functions by inhibiting the cyclin dependent kinase that phosphorylates another tumor suppressor protein called retinoblastoma protein which regulates the cell cycle. Due to its role in the cell cycle, mutations or deletions in the p16 gene has been implicated in many cancers. p16 has the potential to be a powerful tool in diagnosing and prognosing many gynecologic cancers. In some human papilloma virus (HPV) infections, the phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein is inactivated which in turn leads to the over expression of p16.This makes p16 a useful marker in evaluating HPV-associated squamous and glandular neoplasia of the lower gynecologic tract. There are other HPV independent mechanisms which lead to over expression of p16 such as ovarian serous carcinoma.