AIM: This study was aimed to determine p73 status in thyroid tumours.
METHODS: Differential expression of the TAp73, DeltaTAp73 transcripts was 
measured in a panel of 60 thyroid malignancies by quantitative RT-PCR.
RESULTS: By comparison to normal thyroid tissue surrounding the tumours, we 
observed significant downregulation of TP73 transcripts in adenomas and in 
differentiated carcinomas. Correlations were found in normal tissue specimens 
between the expression of TAp73 and DeltaNp73 transcripts and that of p53, 
p14ARF p16INK4a, but these correlations were lost in carcinomas (PTC or FTC).
CONCLUSIONS: We have found significant variations of TAp73, DeltaNp73, p53, 
p14ARF p16INK4a, expressions and correlations between the expressions of those 
different genes in thyroid cancer.