P57

Identifies p57, a paternally imprinted cell-cycle inhibitor that suppresses G1 cyclin activity and regulates cell proliferation. Loss of p57 expression occurs in the cytotrophoblasts of complete molar pregnancies. The p57 gene, located on chromosome 11p15.5, is a recognized tumor-suppressor candidate implicated in disorders such as sporadic cancers, Wilms tumor, and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. Evaluation of p57 expression combined with ploidy analysis (e.g., FISH) aids in distinguishing complete hydatidiform moles (absent nuclear p57) from partial moles and non-molar hydropic abortions (normal expression).