BH3 domain mutation of proapoptotic genes Bad, Bmf and Bcl-G is rare in transitional cell carcinomas of the urinary bladder

Aims: Mounting evidence indicates that deregulation of apoptosis contributes to the development of human cancers. Bcl-2 family proteins regulate the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. The aim of this study was to explore the possibility that mutation of BH3 domain of proapoptotic Bcl-2 genes Bad, Bmf and Bcl-G might be involved in the development of urinary bladder cancer. Methods: We analysed the BH3 domains of Bad, Bmf and Bcl-G genes for the detection of somatic mutations in 43 transitional cell carcinomas (TCCs) of the urinary bladder by a single strand conformation polymorphism assay in this study. Results: There was no somatic mutation of BH3 domains of Bad, Bmf and Bcl-G genes in the TCC samples. Conclusion: The data presented here indicate that BH3 domain mutation of these genes is rare in TCCs and may not contribute to the pathogenesis of TCCs.