[Molecular genetic studies on ganglioglioma].
OBJECTIVE
To study the genetic alterations of ganglioglioma through the entire genome, and to investigate the pathogenesis of this neoplasm.


METHODS
Comparative genomic hybridization was used to provide an overview of genetic abnormalities in gangliogliomas.


RESULTS
Five cases of gangliogliomas, including 3 males and 2 females, were studied genetically. Loss of genetic materials on the short arm of chromosome 9(9p) was a common genetic alteration found in 3 of 5 cases. Overrepresentation of chromosome 7 was another recurrent chromosomal imbalance, which was further confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which was located on 7p11-p13. All five cases revealed no abnormal expression of EGFR. On the other hand, genetic imbalances were also involved in multiple chromosomes including 2q33-q34, 8q12-q22, 14q21-qter, 15q26-qter and Y.


CONCLUSIONS
Loss of genetic materials on chromosome 9p and gain on chromosome 7 may be associated with the pathogenesis of this neoplasm.
Yin
Xiao-lu
XL
Department of Pathology, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Second Medical University, Shanghai 200127, China. niyin@yahoo.com
Ng
Ho-Keung
HK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D002872:Chromosome Deletion; D002897:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 7; D002899:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 9; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D018303:Ganglioglioma / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D008297:Male; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization
D066246:ErbB Receptors