p16(Ink4a) overexpression in cancer: a tumor suppressor gene associated with senescence and high-grade tumors.

p16(Ink4a) is a protein involved in regulation of the cell cycle. Currently, p16(Ink4a) is considered a tumor suppressor protein because of its physiological role and downregulated expression in a large number of tumors. Intriguingly, overexpression of p16(Ink4a) has also been described in several tumors. This review attempts to elucidate when and why p16(Ink4a) overexpression occurs, and to suggest possible implications of p16(Ink4a) in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of cancer.