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9p21 deletions in primary melanoma
M F Naylor1, S Brown, C Quinlan
1Department of Dermatology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, USA.
Dermatology Online Journal
|February 27, 1998
Summary
Genomic loss on chromosome 9p was detected in 34% of primary melanoma samples. These 9p deletions correlate with increased tumor thickness, suggesting their role in melanoma development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Melanoma is a significant skin cancer.
- Genomic alterations are crucial in cancer development.
- Chromosome 9 alterations are implicated in various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate genomic loss on the short arm of chromosome 9 (9p) in primary melanomas.
- To determine the frequency of 9p deletions in sporadic melanoma.
- To correlate 9p deletions with clinical parameters like tumor thickness.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded primary melanoma biopsies.
- Use of microsatellite PCR assays for D9S157, D9S161, and D9S171 loci on chromosome 9p.
- Comparison of paired normal and tumor DNA from the same biopsy specimens.
Main Results:
- Detectable genomic abnormalities at the studied loci were observed in 15 of 44 (34%) evaluable specimens.
- Homozygous deletions were found in 8 of 44 (18%) informative specimens.
- Hemizygous deletions were identified in 11 of 44 (25%) informative specimens.
- A significant correlation was found between 9p deletions and increased primary tumor thickness (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Genomic deletions on chromosome 9p are present in a substantial proportion of primary sporadic melanomas.
- These 9p deletions are associated with a key clinical feature of melanoma progression.
- The findings support the involvement of 9p21 deletions in melanoma pathogenesis and are not merely an artifact of sample processing.