Help MCF7 , MDA231 cells - Treatment of cells. (Aug/03/2008 )

Hey!
I'm having problem with my MCF7 cells and MDA231 cells. I'm looking for p53 expression level in those cells after treatment with DNA damaging agents like etoposide or adriamycin. One cell line has wild-type p53, other is mutated. Anyway I tried few concentrations of adriamycin, and every time my Q-PCR shows DECREASED in p53 expression level, which does not make any sense. Does any work with those cells here. Maybe the concentration is ok, but Im collecting cells too late when they are almost death, well very late stage of apoptosis, what you all think, thank you.

What time points are you collecting? p53 expression will be maximal between 6-16 hours post treatment.