Detection of chromosomal DNA gains and losses in testicular germ cell tumors by comparative genomic hybridization

✍ Scribed by W. Michael Korn; Daniel E. M. Olde Weghuis; Ron F. Suijkerbuijk; Ulrich Schmidt; Thomas Otto; Stanislas du Manoir; Ad Geurts van Kessel; Andreas Harstrick; Siegfried Seeber; Reinhard Becher

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1996
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 799 KB
• Volume: 17
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1045-2257
• DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-2264(199610)17:2<78::aid-gcc2>3.0.co;2-y

✦ Synopsis

To extend the results of conventional cytogenetic analysis of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs), we applied the new molecular cytogenetic method of comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), which enables the detection of chromosomal imbalances without the need for dividing cells. DNA from I I TGCTs was studied by CGH. In all tumors examined, gain of I2p, mostly of the whole p arm, could be demonstrated. However, in three tumors, an amplification of I2p material restricted t o the chromosomal bands I2p I I .2-p 12. I was found. Further fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis using a yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) that was previously mapped t o that region revealed multiple copies of that chromosomal segment in interphase nuclei of these tumors. This finding is an important clue t o the localization of candidate protooncogenes at 12p involved in TGCTs. Gains of small chromosomal regions at 2p, 4q, 6p, and I9p were also detected recurrently. Furthermore, gains of chromosomes 8, 14, 2 I , and X as well as loss of chromosome I 3 were frequent findings. In conclusion, CGH provides new insights into genetic alterations of TGCTs. By using CGH, chromosomal subregions could be identified that may harbor genes involved in the pathogenesis of this malignancy.