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Three discrete regions of deletion at 3p in head and neck cancers
R Maestro1, D Gasparotto, T Vukosavljevic
1Division of Experimental Oncology 1, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano (PN), Italy.
Abstract:
Alteration of the short arm of chromosome 3 is one of the most consistent cytogenetic abnormalities found in human head and neck cancers. These alterations, composed of translocations and deletions, have been associated with the presence of a tumor suppressor gene(s), but no clear evidence of the location of this presumptive gene(s) was available. We performed a molecular analysis of the 3p region using a polymerase chain reaction-based approach. Twenty-eight of the 38 cases analyzed (74%) showed the presence of single or multiple areas of allelic loss. Three commonly deleted regions, tentatively mapped to 3p24-ter, 3p21.3, and 3p14--cen, were identified. Our results suggest that at least three oncosuppressor genes mapping on 3p may be involved in head and neck cancer development and support a common oncogenic pathway with squamous cell lung cancer, for which a similar pattern of 3p deletion has been described recently.
Insights
Alterations in chromosome 3p are common in head and neck cancers. Molecular analysis identified three key deleted regions, suggesting multiple tumor suppressor genes on 3p are involved in cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Human Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Alterations of the short arm of chromosome 3 (3p) are frequent in head and neck cancers.
- These cytogenetic abnormalities, including translocations and deletions, suggest the involvement of tumor suppressor genes.
- The precise location of these genes on 3p has remained elusive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform a molecular analysis of the 3p region in head and neck cancers.
- To identify commonly deleted regions and map potential tumor suppressor genes.
- To investigate the relationship between 3p deletions in head and neck cancer and squamous cell lung cancer.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based approach for molecular analysis.
- Analyzed 38 cases of human head and neck cancer for allelic loss in the 3p region.
- Mapped commonly deleted regions within the 3p locus.
Main Results:
- Allelic loss in the 3p region was detected in 74% (28 of 38) of the analyzed cases.
- Three commonly deleted regions were identified and tentatively mapped to 3p24-ter, 3p21.3, and 3p14--cen.
- The findings suggest the involvement of at least three oncosuppressor genes on 3p.
Conclusions:
- The study implicates at least three oncosuppressor genes on chromosome 3p in head and neck cancer development.
- Results support a shared oncogenic pathway between head and neck cancer and squamous cell lung cancer, characterized by 3p deletions.
- Further research into these specific 3p regions may yield novel therapeutic targets.