In view of the complexity of cancerogenesis, no firm statement can at present be made about the relevance of the observed relationship between p53 and p63 and the possible malignant transformation of OLP.
Decreased p63 and increased p53 expression in OLP and GVHD indicates a coordinated action of these two related proteins to protect the oral mucosae from the damaging effects of underlying inflammation.
Immunohistochemical analysis, RT-PCR, and Western blot analysis of p63 were performed on HNSCC specimens and matched normal tissue control specimens. p63 expression in oral lichen planus specimens was also examined by immunohistochemical analysis.