An experimental model of human cell transformation closely mimics the expression changes observed in cancer patients and provides novel insights into the regulation and function of p73 in the various steps on the road to malignant transformation. p53-like isoforms of p73 (TAp73) are upregulated early during the transformation process in response to RB pathway alterations and block progression to the fully transformed state.
Eight cases of ED (protein level) showing p73 positivity have undergone malignant transformation to develop SCCs in 2 years follow-up, but no statistical significance was established (Fisher's exact test, p >.05).