Lack of mutation in p53 and H-ras genes in phenytoin induced gingival overgrowth suggests its non cancerous nature.

Background: There have been case reports of oral squamous cell carcinoma arising from gingival overgrowth induced by phenytoin--an antiepileptic drug. However, a detailed analysis for the presence of mutations in p53 and ras genes, which are the two most frequently mutated genes in cancers, in phenytoin induced gingival overgrowth tissues has hitherto not been performed.

Methods: Cellular DNA isolated from twenty gingival overgrowth tissues collected from patients undergoing phenytoin therapy were amplified using primers for p53 (exons 5-8) and H-ras (exons 1-2) genes.

Common docking domain mutation E322K of the ERK2 gene is infrequent in oral squamous cell carcinomas.

Background: Mutations in the MAPK (Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase) signaling pathway - EGFR/Ras/ RAF/MEK have been associated with the development of several carcinomas. ERK2, a downstream target of the MAPK pathway and a founding member of the MAPK family is activated by cellular signals emanating at the cell membrane. Activated ERK2 translocates into the nucleus to transactivate genes that promote cell proliferation.