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[Allele losses in squamous cell carcinomas of the larynx]
U Bockmühl1, I Petersen, M Dietel
1Hals-, Nasen-, Ohrenklinik und Poliklinik, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.
Background:
Loss of function of tumor suppressor genes is important in the origin and progression of malignant tumors. Analysis for loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in tumors has been used to detect chromosomal regions that could harbor these genes.
Methods:
We investigated 30 paired samples of tumor and normal DNA of 20 patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), we studied microsatellite polymorphisms on 3 p, 5q, 9 p, 9q, and 17 p. We separated PCR products by denaturating gel electrophoresis and then visualized them colorimetrically.
Results:
Allelic loss was observed most frequently on 3 p (45%), followed by 9 p (15%), 17 p (6%), and 5 q (5%), while chromosome 9 q displayed no LOH. When primary tumor and lymph node metastases were investigated, the same genetic pattern was observed. No correlation was found between LOH and tumor stage. The commonly deleted region of 3 p was at the chromosomal bands 3 p24-3 p25. Our data demonstrate that chromosome 3 p allelic loss is a common event in head and neck cancers and suggest that tumor suppressor genes on chromosome 3 p contribute to the pathogenesis of these tumors.
Conclusions:
A longer follow-up will reveal if the assessment of LOH can be associated with prognostic significance in laryngeal carcinomas.
Insights
Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma frequently identified deletions on chromosome 3p. These findings suggest tumor suppressor genes on 3p play a role in head and neck cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Context:
- Malignant tumor development involves the loss of tumor suppressor gene function.
- Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis is a method to identify chromosomal regions potentially harboring these genes.
Purpose:
- To investigate chromosomal regions associated with tumor suppressor genes in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.
- To analyze microsatellite polymorphisms in paired tumor and normal DNA samples from patients.
Summary:
- Loss of heterozygosity was most frequently observed on chromosome 3p (45%) in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.
- The commonly deleted region was identified at chromosomal bands 3p24-3p25.
- Allelic loss on 3p is a common event in head and neck cancers, suggesting the involvement of 3p tumor suppressor genes in pathogenesis.
Impact:
- The study highlights the frequent allelic loss on chromosome 3p in head and neck cancers.
- Findings suggest that tumor suppressor genes located on chromosome 3p are significant contributors to the development of these tumors.
- Further research is needed to determine the prognostic significance of LOH assessment in laryngeal carcinomas.