Independent clonal origin of multiple uterine leiomyomas that was determined by X chromosome inactivation and microsatellite analysis.
OBJECTIVE
In an attempt to clarify the clonality and genetic relationships that are involved in the tumorigenesis of uterine leiomyomas, we used a total of 43 multiple leiomyomas from 14 patients and analyzed the allelic status with 15 microsatellite markers and X chromosome inactivation analysis.


METHODS
We have used a set of 15 microsatellite polymorphism markers mapped on 3q, 7p, 11, and 15q by automated analysis. The X chromosome inactivation was evaluated by the methylation status of the X-linked androgen receptor gene.


RESULTS
Loss of heterozygosity analysis showed a different pattern in 7 of the 8 cases with allelic loss for at least 1 of 15 microsatellite markers that were analyzed. A similar loss of heterozygosity findings at 7p22-15 was detected in 3 samples from the same patient. X chromosome inactivation analysis demonstrated the same inactivated allele in all tumors of the 9 of 12 informative patients; different inactivation patterns were observed in 3 cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data support the concept that uterine leiomyomas are derived from a single cell but are generated independently in the uterus. Loss of heterozygosity findings at 7p22-15 are consistent with previous data that suggested the relevance of chromosomal aberrations at 7p that were involved in individual uterine leiomyomas.
Canevari
Renata A
RA
Department of Genetics, Institute of Biosciences, UNESP-University of São Paulo State, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
Pontes
Anaglória
A
Rosa
Fabíola E
FE
Rainho
Cláudia A
CA
Rogatto
Silvia R
SR
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018231:Leiomyomatosis / Q000235:genetics*; D019656:Loss of Heterozygosity; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats / Q000235:genetics; D008875:Middle Aged; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D049951:X Chromosome Inactivation / Q000235:genetics*