Molecular cytogenetic definition of 17q translocation breakpoints in neuroblastoma.
BACKGROUND
Unbalanced translocations resulting in the gain of material from 17q are the most common chromosomal changes in neuroblastoma and are associated with poor patient survival, and are established indicators of bad prognosis.


METHODS
We have used 13 fluorescent in situ hybridisation probes to map 17q translocation breakpoints in ten neuroblastoma cell lines and 21 primary tumours.


RESULTS
At least seven different breakpoints have been identified, all localised within the proximal half of 17q (53-68 cM, 17cen-17q22).


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that the dosage of a gene, or genes, in 17q22-qter is responsible for the clinical effects of 17q gain, rather than the disruption of a specific gene.
Lastowska
M
M
Department of Human Genetics, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
Van Roy
N
N
Bown
N
N
Speleman
F
F
Roberts
P
P
Lunec
J
J
Strachan
T
T
Pearson
A D
AD
Jackson
M S
MS
D019457:Chromosome Breakage; D002874:Chromosome Mapping; D002886:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 17 / Q000235:genetics / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D015342:DNA Probes; D018628:Gene Dosage; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D009447:Neuroblastoma / Q000235:genetics* / Q000401:mortality / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011379:Prognosis; D014178:Translocation, Genetic; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured / Q000648:ultrastructure
D015342:DNA Probes