p16

Identifies a tumor suppressor gene that inhibits the progression of the cell cycle through the G1 phase. Overexpression of the p16 protein has been observed in CIN I, II, and III, where it can serve as a surrogate for the presence of high risk HPV types. The gene is also frequently deleted or mutated in tumors such as melanomas, gliomas, esophageal, pancreatic, lung, and urinary bladder carcinomas, and some types of leukemias. p16 overexpression can also serve as a prognostic marker in the context of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.