Using PCR-SSCP screening and direct sequencing we analyzed a series of 28 colorectal carcinomas for mutations in p53 (exons 5-8) and Ki-ras (codons 12, 13 and 61), and for micro-satellite instability (MSI) at BAT25 and BAT26, supplementing data with the analysis of the IARC colorectal cancer p53 mutation database. Mutations were correlated with the site of tumor origin (proximal or distal to the splenic flexure). We identified 19 mutations in p53, 9 in Ki-ras, and 4 MSI-positive cases in a total of 20 tumors. Only 6/20 cases (30%) carried mutations in both p53 and Ki-ras. Mutations in p53 were detected at similar frequencies in proximal and distal tumors, while IARC data pointed to a strong association of p53 mutations with distal cancers. Ki-ras mutations were more frequent in proximal tumors, and MSI occurred at similar frequencies in proximal and distal tumors and was associated with mutations in p53 or Ki-ras. The p53 mutations detected in the series analyzed, as well as those retrieved from the IARC database, were predominantly transitions, with no preferential sequence localization or nucleotide position. Ki-ras mutations were predominantly transversions in position 2 at codon 12. MSI-H occurred at similar frequencies in proximal and distal tumors and was associated with either p53 or Ki-ras mutations. Overall these data suggest that distinct mutagenic factors target p53 and Ki-ras in colorectal epithelium irrespective of MSI-H status.