Frequent loss of heterozygosity on chromosome 14q in neuroblastoma

Using 29 polymorphic DNA markers which detect allelic deletion of genes at specific loci on 19 different chromosomes, we analyzed 14 neuroblastomas for possible loss of chromosomal heterozygosity. The incidence of loss of heterozygosity was high at the D14S1 locus on chromosome 14q, being detected in six of 12 patients (50%). In spite of the cytogenetic finding suggesting high frequency of chromosome 1p deletion, loss of heterozygosity at the MYCL locus on 1p32 was detected only in two of nine patients (22%). It was also found in two of 11 patients (18%) on 13q, but not on chromosomes 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20. The present results indicate that recessive genetic changes involving sequences on chromosome 14q may play an important role in the development of neuroblastoma.