Genetic and epigenetic mutations of tumor suppressive genes in sporadic pituitary adenoma.

Highlights: [•] Genetic mutations found in familial pituitary adenomas are very rare in sporadic tumors. [•] Multiple tumor suppressive genes are inactivated in sporadic tumors by epigenetic mutations. [•] We discuss the current status of twenty genes which are lost or down regulated in sporadic pituitary tumors. [•] These genes are functionally connected to tumor suppressors RB and p53. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]