Mutational Analysis of TP53 Gene in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Comparison of Different Methodological Approaches

The adverse prognostic significance of p53 aberrations (gene deletion at locus 17p13.1 and/or TP53 mutations) has been already proven in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In contrast to the standardized examination of the gene deletion by interphase FISH, various methodologies with different detection efficiency are applied for mutation analysis. To reduce inter-laboratory variability, the European Research Initiative on CLL (ERIC) has recently released recommendations for p53 mutational testing (Pospisilova et al., 2012). However, the optimal detection methodology has not been established yet.

To compare molecular-biological methods for exact determination of TP53 mutational status in CLL patients.

The analyzed cohort included 100 high-risk CLL patients with unfavorable disease prognosis represented by unmutated IgVH gene status, 17p and 11q deletions and/or chemotherapy resistence. Mutational screening of TP53 gene was performed in all patients by the combination of the following methods: (1) direct Sanger sequencing (DNA and/or cDNA), (2) denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC; Varian), (3) functional analysis (FASAY), (4) CLL custom resequencing microarray (Affymetrix), (5) Roche AmpliChip p53 Test (Roche Molecular Systems). In the selected samples, the presence of mutations was confirmed by ultra-deep next generation sequencing (NGS; GS Junior System, Roche).

The parallel p53 analysis using all five above mentioned detection techniques revealed totally 66 mutations in 47/100 patients. The predominant proportion of the identified alterations was represented by prognostically adverse missense substitutions (67%), mainly localized in p53 DNA-binding domain (5–8 exons). Other clinically relevant sequencing variants included frameshift mutations (15%), splice-site mutations (8%), nonsense mutations (6%) and in-frame deletions (4%). Although the used detection methods reached comparable sensitivity (with the exception of direct sequencing), some inconsistent results were observed. In comparison with DNA-based methodologies, the FASAY failed in recognition of nonsense mutations leading to RNA degradation (nonsense-mediated decay phenomenon). On the other hand, the technical aspects of chip arrays have not facilitated the proper determination of deletions and insertions. From this perspective, DHPLC in connection with direct sequencing enabled the most specific recognition of the present gene alterations. Using this methodic combination, 57/66 mutations covering all mutation types were clearly identified. Nevertheless, for the correct evaluation of the biological importance and the clinical consequences of the detected mutations, the DNA screening should be supplemented with functional analysis.

The heterogeneous biological properties of TP53 mutations require sensitive and specific detection methodology. Although many different methods are currently used for mutation analysis, each of them has some advantages and shortcommings. The combination of DNA testing with functional analysis offers the most efficient tool for improved prediction of the disease course and the response of patients to therapy.

No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.