Molecular cytogenetic characterization of del(7q) in two uterine leiomyoma-derived cell lines

Uterine leiomyoma cytogenetically exhibits at least six chromosomally abnormal subgroups. The largest subgroup is characterized by deletions of the long arm of chromosome 7. Few molecular and fluorescence in situ hybridization data are available that have aimed at a better definition of the lesion. Here, we report the results of a partial molecular cytogenetic characterization of two del(7q) chromosomes that were derived from cell lines established from two uterine leiomyomas with del(7)(q22q32). By using a large series of ordered 7q markers, we were able to identify the most proximal and the most distal conserved markers, which delineate the size of the deletion and which allow for a more targeted approach to the nature and function of genes that are possibly relevant for the pathogenesis of the disorder.