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Loss of heterozygosity at polymorphic chromosomal loci in patients with malignant melanoma
M Orita1, Y Murakami, K Ishihara
1Oncogene Division, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
One type of aberration of DNA found in human cancers is loss of heterozygosity at chromosomal loci. This loss suggests that inactivation of particular genes is involved in the genesis of cancer cells. We have analyzed tumor DNA and normal DNA from eight patients with malignant melanomas using 24 polymorphic DNA probes and detected loss of heterozygosity in three patients at five loci on four different chromosomes. These results indicate that the frequency of loss of heterozygosity at chromosomal loci is relatively high in malignant melanomas, but that the regions lost are not restricted to specific chromosomes.
Insights
Loss of heterozygosity in DNA is common in human cancers, suggesting gene inactivation drives cancer development. This study found frequent loss of heterozygosity in malignant melanoma, affecting multiple chromosomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Human Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at chromosomal loci is a recognized DNA aberration in human cancers.
- LOH suggests the inactivation of specific genes plays a role in cancer cell genesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency and chromosomal distribution of LOH in malignant melanoma.
- To determine if specific chromosomal regions are preferentially affected in melanoma.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of tumor DNA and normal DNA from eight malignant melanoma patients.
- Utilized 24 polymorphic DNA probes to detect LOH across various chromosomal loci.
Main Results:
- Detected LOH in three out of eight patients studied.
- Identified LOH at five distinct loci across four different chromosomes.
- Observed a relatively high frequency of LOH in malignant melanomas.
Conclusions:
- The frequency of LOH is significant in malignant melanomas.
- Chromosomal regions affected by LOH in melanoma are not confined to specific chromosomes.
- These findings contribute to understanding the genetic instability in melanoma development.