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Numeric sex chromosome abnormalities are commonly associated with an increased cancer risk. Here, we report a 14-year-old boy with a rare mosaic 45, X/48, XYYY karyotype presenting with subtle dysmorphic features and relative height deficiency, requiring growth hormone therapy. As only 12 postnatal cases have been described so far with very limited follow-up data, to assess the proband's long-term prognosis, including cancer risk, we performed high-throughput single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis. Although comprehensive cytogenetic analysis showed seemingly near perfect balance between 45, X and 48, XYYY cell populations, scRNA-seq revealed widespread differences in genotype distribution among immune cell fractions, specifically in monocytes, B- and T-cells. These results were confirmed at DNA level by digital-droplet PCR on flow-sorted immune cell types. Furthermore, deregulation of predominantly autosomal genes was observed, including TCL1A overexpression in 45, X B-lymphocytes and other known genes associated with hematological malignancies. Together with the standard hematological results, showing increased fractions of monocytes and CD4+/CD8+T lymphocytes ratio, long-term personalized hemato-oncological surveillance was recommended in the reported patient., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Nijmegen breakage syndrome (NBS) is a rare autosomal recessive disease, affecting mainly patients of Slavic origin. It is caused by a defect in the NBN gene, resulting in defective nibrin protein formation. This leads to chromosomal instability, which predisposes to cancer, with lymphoid malignancies predominating. Nibrin is also involved in gonadal development and its disfunction in females with NBS frequently results in a pure gonadal dysgenesis (PGD) causing hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. However, only a few ovarian tumors in NBS patients have been reported to date. We describe the first case of a girl with NBS with PGD, who developed metachronous bilateral ovarian germ cell tumors (dysgerminoma and gonadoblastoma). Pathogenesis of PGD, neoplastic transformation and therapeutic approach in females with NBS are discussed.

Salivary gland carcinomas represent a heterogeneous group of poorly characterized head and neck tumors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate ALK gene and protein aberrations in a large, well-characterized cohort of these tumors. A total of 182 salivary gland carcinomas were tested for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) positivity by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using the cut-off of 10% positive cells. ALK positive tumors were subjected to FISH analysis and followed by hybrid capture-based next generation sequencing (NGS). Of the 182 tumors, 8 were ALK positive by IHC. Further analysis using hybrid capture NGS analysis revealed a novel MYO18A (Exon1-40)-ALK (exon 20-29) gene fusion in one case of intraductal carcinoma. Additional genomic analyses resulted in the detection of inactivating mutations in BRAF and TP53, as well as amplifications of ERBB2 and ALK. ALK rearrangements are a rare entity in salivary gland carcinomas. We identified a potentially targetable novel ALK fusion in an intraductal carcinoma of minor salivary glands.

Currently, many new possible biomarkers and mechanisms are being searched and tested to analyse pathobiology of pediatric tumours for the development of new treatments. One such candidate molecular factor is BARD1 (BRCA1 Associated RING Domain 1)-a tumour-suppressing gene involved in cell cycle control and genome stability, engaged in several types of adult-type tumours. The data on BARD1 significance in childhood cancer is limited. This study determines the expression level of BARD1 and its isoform beta (β) in three different histogenetic groups of pediatric cancer-neuroblastic tumours, and for the first time in chosen germ cell tumours (GCT), and rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), using the qPCR method. We found higher expression of beta isoform in tumour compared to healthy tissue with no such changes concerning BARD1 full-length. Additionally, differences in expression of BARD1 β between histological types of neuroblastic tumours were observed, with higher levels in ganglioneuroblastoma and ganglioneuroma. Furthermore, a higher expression of BARD1 β characterized yolk sac tumours (GCT type) and RMS when comparing with non-neoplastic tissue. These tumours also showed a high expression of the TERT (Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase) gene. In two RMS cases we found deep decrease of BARD1 β in post-chemotherapy samples. This work supports the oncogenicity of the beta isoform in pediatric tumours, as well as demonstrates the differences in its expression depending on the histological type of neoplasm, and the level of maturation in neuroblastic tumours.

Warthin tumour is the second most common benign neoplasm of salivary glands. Despite its relatively characteristic histology, it may sometimes mimic other lesions. Here, we report two female non-smoker patients diagnosed with low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma with oncocytic epithelium and prominent lymphoid (Warthin-like) stroma and with molecularly confirmed MAML2 rearrangement. In addition, we screened a consecutive series of 114 Warthin tumour cases by means of MAML2 break apart fluorescence in situ hybridization to assess its value in differential diagnosis. MAML2 rearrangement was detected in both mucoepidermoid carcinoma cases, while all Warthin tumours were negative. Taking into account the literature data, Warthin-like mucoepidermoid carcinomas are more frequently observed in women, while a slight male predominance and smoking history are typical for Warthin tumour. In addition, the patients with Warthin-like mucoepidermoid carcinoma were significantly younger than those with Warthin tumour. To conclude, Warthin-like mucoepidermoid carcinoma may usually be suspected based on histology, while the diagnosis can be confirmed by means of molecular assays such as FISH. The investigation of MAML2 status is particularly advised when Warthin tumour is considered in a young, non-smoking, female patient.

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a highly malignant tumor with poorly understood etiology. An insight into phenotypic features of this malignancy may add to the knowledge of its carcinogenesis and pave the way to new therapeutic approaches. We assessed the expression of female sex hormone receptors (ERα, ERβ, PR), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and HER2 in GBC, and adjacent normal tissue (NT), and determined their prognostic impact. Immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of all biomarkers was performed in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens in 60 Caucasian GBC patients (51 women and 9 men). ERβ, cytoPR and CTGF expression were found in 89%, 27%, 91% of GBC, and in 63%, 87%, 100% of NT, respectively. No ERα expression was found in GBC and NT. Strong (3+) HER2 expression by IHC or HER2 amplification was seen in five GBC (10.4%). A positive correlation was found between HER2 and CTGF and ERβ expression in GBC and matched NT. In the multivariate analysis, patient age >70 years, tumor size and ERβ expression in GBC was highly predictive for OS (p = 0.003). The correlation between HER2, CTGF and ERβ expression in GBC and NT may indicate the interaction of these pathways in physiological processes and gallbladder pathology.

The amplification of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) encoded by the ESR1 gene has been described as having a prognostic role in breast cancer patients. However, increased dosage of the ESR1 gene (tested by real-time PCR) is also observed in ER-negative breast cancers, which might suggest the expression of alternative isoforms of ERα (other than classical ERα of 66 kDa). In the current work, we have investigated the ESR1 gene dosage in 402 primary breast cancer patients as well as the expression of ERα isoforms-ERα66 and ERα36-on mRNA and protein levels. The obtained results were correlated with clinicopathological data of the patients. Results showed that increased ESR1 gene dosage is not related to ESR1 gene amplification measured by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), but it correlates with the decreased expression of ERα66 isoform ( p = 0.01). Interestingly, the short ER isoform ERα36 was expressed in samples with increased ESR1 gene dosage, suggesting that genomic aberration might influence the expression of that particular isoform. Similarly to ESR1 increased gene dosage, high ERα36 expression was linked with the decreased disease-free survival of the patients ( p = 0.05), which was independent of the status of the classical ERα66 level in breast tumors.

Monosomal karyotype (MK) and complex karyotype (CK) are poor prognostic factors in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). A comprehensive analysis of cytogenetic and clinical factors influencing an outcome of AML-CK +  was performed. The impact of cladribine containing induction on treatment results was also evaluated. We analyzed 125 patients with AML-CK +  treated within PALG protocols. MK was found in 75 (60%) individuals. The overall complete remission (CR) rate of 66 intensively treated patients was 62% vs. 28% in CK +  MK - and CK +  MK +  group (p = .01). No difference in CR rate was observed between DA and DAC arms. The overall survival (OS) in intensively treated patients was negatively influenced by MK, karyotype complexity (≥5 abnormalities), and WBC >20 G/L in multivariate analysis. The addition of cladribine to DA regimen improved OS only in MK - but not in MK +  group. In conclusion, concomitance of MK with ≥5 chromosomal abnormalities is associated with dismal treatment outcome in AMK-CK + .

Background: Rarity and heterogeneity of liposarcomas (LPS) make their diagnosis difficult even for sarcoma-experts pathologists. The molecular mechanism underlying the development and progression of liposarcomas (LPS) remains only partially known. In order to identify and compare the genomic profiles, we analyzed array-based comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH) profiles of 66 liposarcomas, including well-differentiated (WDLPS), dedifferentiated (DDLPS) and myxoid (MLPS) subtypes., Results: Copy number aberrations (CNAs) were identified in 98% of WDLPS and DDLPS and in 95% of MLPS cases. The minimal common region of amplification at 12q14.1q21.1 was observed in 96% of WDLPS and DDLPS cases. Four regions of CNAs, including losses of chromosome 6, 11 and 13 and gains of chromosome 14 were classified as recurrent in DDLPS; at least one was identified in 74% of DDLPS tumors. The DDLPS-associated losses were much more common in tumors with increased genomic complexity. In MLPS, the most frequent CNAs were losses of chromosome 6 (40%) and gains of chromosome 1 (30%), with the minimal overlapping regions 6q14.1q22.31 and 1q25.1q32.2, respectively., Conclusions: Our findings show that the application of array-CGH allows to delineate clearly the genomic profiles of WDLPS, DDLPS and MLPS that reflect biological differences between these tumors. Although CNAs varied widely, the subtypes of tumors have characteristic genomic profiles that could facilitate the differential diagnosis of LPS subtypes, especially between WDLPS and DDLPS.

Chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, one of the most common human genomic syndromes, has highly heterogeneous clinical presentation. Patients usually harbor a 1.5 to 3 Mb hemizygous deletion at chromosome 22q11.2, resulting in pathognomic TBX1, CRKL and/or MAPK1 haploinsufficiency. However, there are some individuals with clinical features resembling the syndrome who are eventually diagnosed with genomic disorders affecting other chromosomal regions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the additive value of high-resolution array-CGH testing in the cohort of 41 patients with clinical features of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and negative results of standard cytogenetic diagnostic testing (karyotype and FISH for 22q11.2 locus). Array-CGH analysis revealed no aberrations at chromosomes 22 or 10 allegedly related to the syndrome. Five (12.2 %) patients were found to have other genomic imbalances, namely 17q21.31 microdeletion syndrome (MIM#610443), 1p36 deletion syndrome (MIM#607872), NF1 microduplication syndrome (MIM#613675), chromosome 6pter-p24 deletion syndrome (MIM#612582) and a novel interstitial deletion at 3q26.31 of 0.65 Mb encompassing a dosage-dependent gene NAALADL2. Our study demonstrates that the implementation of array-CGH into the panel of classic diagnostic procedures adds significantly to their efficacy. It allows for detection of constitutional genomic imbalances in 12 % of subjects with negative result of karyotype and FISH targeted for 22q11.2 region. Moreover, if used as first-tier genetic test, the method would provide immediate diagnosis in ∼40 % phenotypic 22q11.2 deletion subjects., Competing Interests: Compliance with ethical standard Conflict of interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. Funding This work has been financed by the Polish National Science Centre grant 2011/01/D/NZ2/01600. All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the Medical University of Gdansk research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments. Written informed consent was obtained from the relevant guardians of the children and from patients themselves, whenever eligible. The study was approved by the Ethical Committee of the Medical University of Gdansk, Poland. Web resources Database of Genomic Variants - http://dgv.tcag.ca/dgv/app/home DECIPHER database - https://decipher.sanger.ac.uk/ ISCA database - http://dbsearch.clinicalgenome.org/search/

Introduction: Carriership of reciprocal chromosomal translocation (RCT) may be the reason the occurrence of congenital malformations in the offspring, early neonatal death, stillbirth, and recurrent miscarriages due to unbalanced karyotype of gametes. The probability rate for individual categories of unfavorable outcomes depends on the kind of chromosome involved and is individually variable., Objectives: The aim of study was to estimate the probability rates for unbalanced offspring and to evaluate the risk for different categories of unfavorable pregnancy outcomes, depending on the size of chromosomal segment with differentiation between maternal/paternal origin of the reciprocal chromosomal translocations involving chromosome 7p (RCT-7p) and 7q (RCT-7q). In addition, the use of the obtained results has been illustrated by the example of a family with unique RCT t(7;9)(p21.3,p23)., Material and Methods: Empirical and cytogenetic data on 341 pregnancies and offspring of 133 carriers were collected from 69 pedigrees of carriers of RCT-7p and RCT-7q at risk for a single 7 segment imbalance. The probability rates of particular form of pregnancy pathology have been calculated according to the method of Stengel-Rutkowski and Stene, including all forms of meiotic segregation and their survival rates after fertilization to term childbirth., Results: The probability rates for unbalanced offspring for carriers of RCT-7p after 2:2 disjunction and adjacent-1 segregation were calculated as 5.5% +/- 2.2% (6/108); for maternal (MAT) and paternal (PAT) carriers were about < 1% (0/56) and 13.6 +/- 5.2% (6/44) (p = 0.04) respectively. Considering different segment lengths of 7p, the following values for shorter and longer segments were obtained: 23.0 +/- 11.7% (3/13) for 7p21-->pter; 3.3 +/- 3.3% (1/30) for 7p 14-->pter and 3.1 +/- 2.1% (2/65) for 7p 1-->pter The risk figures for stillbirth/earl neonatal death were estimated at 2.8 +/- 1.6% (3/108), but for miscarriage were calculated at 25.9 +/- 4.2% (28/108) for carriers RCT-7p. The probability rates for unbalanced offspring at birth for carriers of RCT-7q were calculated as 2.7 +/- 1.5% (3/111); for MAT and PAT carriers were 3.5 +/- 2.0% (3/86) and < 2.6% (0/19) respectively. Considering different segment lengths of 7q, the following values for shorter and longer segments were obtained: 6.2 +/- 6.1% (1/16) for 7q33-->qter; 5.3 +/- 3.6% (2/38) for 7q32-->qter and < 0.82% (0/57) for 7q11-->qter. The risk figures for stillbirth/early neonatal death were estimated at 9.9 +/- 2.8% (11/111), but for miscarriage were calculated at 34.2 +/-4.5% (38/111) for carriers RCT-7q. The probability estimated values for unbalanced fetuses, evaluated prenatally in the second trimester of pregnancy for carriers of RCT-7p and RCT-7q were similar i.e. 41.7 +/- 14.2% (5/12) and 46.7 +/-12.9% (7/15), respectively., Conclusions: 1. The probability rates for unbalanced offspring and the risk values for individual categories of unfavorable outcomes for carriers of RCT-7 are different and depend on the size of chromosome 7 segment involved in RCT 2. The probability rate for unbalanced offspring for paternal carriers of RCT-7p is higher than for maternal carriers (p = 0.04). 3. It is suggested that the probability rate for unbalanced offspring for maternal carriers of RCT-7q may be higher than for paternal carriers.

Background: MYCN oncogene amplification is the most important prognostic factor in neuroblastoma. 25% neuroblastoma tumors have somatic amplifications at this locus but little is known about its constitutional aberrations and their potential role in carcinogenesis. Here, we have performed an array-CGH and qPCR characterization of two patients with constitutional partial 2p trisomy including MYCN genomic region., Results: One of the patients had congenital neuroblastoma and showed presence of minute areas of gains and losses within the common fragile site FRA2C at 2p24 encompassing MYCN. The link between 2p24 germline rearrangements and neuroblastoma development was reassessed by reviewing similar cases in the literature., Conclusions: It appears that constitutional rearrangements involving chromosome 2p24 may play role in NB development.

A monosomal karyotype (MK) was identified by banding techniques (BT) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, BT may be insufficient to determine the actual loss of a complete chromosome, especially in complex karyotypes. We have investigated the effect of monosomy type, total (MK-t) and partial (MK-p), reevaluated by FISH, on prognosis. We have found that complete remission rate and probability of overall survival at 1 year was higher in MK-p (n=27) than MK-t (n=15) group (40% vs. 15.4%, P=0.19 and 30% vs. 9%, P=0.046, respectively). Our results indicate for the first time that monosomy type influences the prognosis of MK-AML., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

EWSR1 is involved in chimeric proteins which play crucial roles in the development of a variety of bone and soft tissue tumors. Many of the chimeric genes involving EWSR1 have been extensively studied, whereas less is known about the wild-type (wt) gene and its regulation. As the expression of the chimeric gene is driven by the EWSR1 promoter, it is of importance to study the mechanisms regulating wt EWSR1 expression. We estimated the transcriptional activity of the EWSR1 promoter through deletion fragments driving reporter gene expression. This assay identified the 100-bp region immediately downstream of the EWSR1 transcriptional start site (+1) and the downstream region from +100 to +300 as important regions for transcriptional regulation. We also found that EWSR1 and RHBDD3, a gene located directly upstream of EWSR1 that is likely to share regulatory elements with EWSR1, were co-expressed in the tissue panels, Ewing tumor biopsies and cell lines. Thus, our results show that the EWSR1 promoter functions in a bidirectional manner, thereby regulating also RHBDD3, and identifies specific regions that strongly influence promoter activity.

We report on a 4-year-old boy with a proximal interstitial deletion in the short arm of chromosome 4p with the karyotype 46,XY,del(4)(p14p15.32),inv(9)(p13q13). For a precise delineation of the deleted region, an array-based comparative genomic hybridization (a-CGH) analysis was performed. The proband's phenotype and cytogenetic findings are compared with previously reported cases with proximal 4p deletion syndrome. The syndrome is associated with normal growth, varying degrees of mental retardation, characteristic facial appearance and minor dysmorphic features. Additionally, our patient developed a seizure disorder due to abnormal neuronal migration, i.e., periventricular heterotopia.

Congenital heart malformations, detected during a pregnancy, are associated in 20-48% of cases with a chromosomal aberration. In the following study we have reported the deletion of chromosome 8 (pter-->p21), diagnosed prenatally at 22 weeks of gestation, because of a visible defect in the upper part of the interventricular septum and a partial defect of the atrial septum. The atria and the ventricles were joined with a common central valve. The cordocentesis was performed and karyotype: 46, XX ish del(8)(wcp8x2) was detected. Because of the persistent bradycardia of the foetus, indicating a danger of intrauterine asphyxia of the foetus, as well as features of premature placental detachment, the caesarean section was performed at 27 weeks of gestation. The patient gave birth to a daughter weighing 960 g. The child died in the 4th hour of her life. On the basis of the present observation it is safe to say that when an AV-canal defect is diagnosed prenatally, special attention must be paid to the detection of chromosomal abnormalities and amniocentesis or cordocentesis should be performed to assess the state of affairs.

We report on a 17-year-old female with numerous developmental abnormalities associated with 46,XX,dup(9)(q33.3q34.1), where the duplication occurred de novo. The patient presented with dysmorphic features and notable psychomotor delays, manifestations similar to those described in other reported cases of duplication of 9q34-qter. Due to late presentation and diagnosis, our patient was not evaluated and characterized until adolescence, when particular attention was paid to the development of secondary sexual characteristics, secondary amenorrhea and obesity., (Copyright 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

Cytogenetic analyses were performed on 64 nonmalignant thyroid goiters (11 common and 53 multinodular goiters) after short-term culture. The majority of goiters (67%) were characterized by a normal karyotype, but in 5 common (45%) and 16 nodular (30%) goiters, small clones with various numerical and/or structural aberrations were found, in addition to many normal cells. Trisomy or tetrasomy 7 was the most frequent numerical aberration, seen in five cases. Deletion of 18p11 was found in four cases, and in three of them as the sole change. Selection and clonal evolution of aneuploid cells present in nonmalignant goiters could underlie progression into adenoma formation.

Synovial sarcoma is an aggressive soft-tissue tumor that accounts for up to 10% of soft-tissue sarcomas. Cytogenetically, synovial sarcoma is characterized by the t(X;18)(p11;q11), found in more than 95% of the tumors. This translocation results in rearrangements of the SYT gene in 18q11 and one of the SSX1, SSX2, or SSX4 genes in Xp11, creating a SYT/SSX1, SYT/SSX2, or SYT/SSX4 chimeric gene. It has been shown that patients with SYT/SSX1 fusion genes have a shorter metastasis-free survival than do patients with SYT/SSX2. Previous studies have also suggested that clonal evolution may be associated with disease progression. In the present study, RT-PCR analysis showed that all 64 examined synovial sarcomas from 54 patients had SYT-SSX chimeric genes. SYT/SSX1 was found in 40 tumors from 33 patients, SYT/SSX2 in 23 tumors from 20 patients, and SYT/SSX4 in one case. Two patients had variant SYT/SSX2 transcripts, with 57 bp and 141 bp inserts, respectively, between the known SYT and SSX2 sequences. Patients with tumors with SYT/SSX1 fusions had a higher risk of developing metastases compared to those with SYT/SSX2 fusions (P = 0.01). The reciprocal transcripts SSX1/SYT and SSX2/SYT were detected using nested PCR in 11 of the 40 samples with SYT/SSX1 and 5 of the 23 samples with SYT/SSX2, respectively. Among 20 blood samples, SYT/SSX1 and SYT/SSX2 were detected in one sample each. The t(X;18), or variants thereof, was found cytogenetically in all patients but three. Among 32 primary tumors, the t(X;18) or a variant translocation was the sole anomaly in 10. In contrast, of the seven metastatic lesions that were investigated prior to radiotherapy, only one had a t(X;18) as the sole anomaly; all other tumors displayed complex karyotypes. Cytogenetic complexity in primary tumors was, however, not associated with the development of metastases. Tumors with SYT/SSX2 less often (4/12 vs. 7/15) showed complex karyotypes than did tumors with SYT/SSX1, but the difference was not significant. Combining cytogenetic complexity and transcript data, we found that the subgroup of patients with tumors showing simple karyotypes and SYT/SSX2 fusion had the best clinical outcome (2/8 patients developed metastases), and those with tumors showing complex karyotypes together with SYT/SSX1 fusion the worst (6/7 patients developed metastases). This corresponded to 5-year metastasis-free survival rates of 0.58 and 0.0, respectively (P = 0.02)., (Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

The presence of an extra ring chromosome containing material from 17q and 22q, or, less frequently, a t(17;22)(q22;q13), is a cytogenetic hallmark of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP). However, occasionally tumors with other, atypical karyotypes are encountered. We describe a case of recurrent DFSP without a ring chromosome or a t(17;22) on standard cytogenetic analysis. In all cells analyzed by G-banding, an additional, large marker chromosome was present as a sole abnormality. This chromosome apparently included chromosome 8 or the 8q arm, but the origin of its remaining part could not be determined with certainty. To characterize further the abnormal chromosome, we applied spectral karyotyping (SKY). SKY confirmed the presence of an extra chromosome 8 or arm 8q in the marker and showed that its remaining part was composed of segments from chromosomes 7, 17, 21, and 22, with two copies of a 17;22 fusion. Our results and the literature data suggest that, in addition to a specific 17;22 fusion, amplification of material from chromosomes 17, 22, 8, 5, 7, and 21 may play a role in DFSP development and/or progression. Furthermore, our case demonstrates the usefulness of SKY in detection of a diagnostically relevant 17;22 fusion in DFSP patients who have unusual karyotypic features., (Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

The monocytic cell line U937 is a frequently used model in studies on the cytotoxic effect of tumour necrosis factor (TNF). Two sublines of this cell line, termed U937(G) and U937(M), revealing different patterns of response to this cytokine, have been identified. The U937(G) cells, similarly to the cells obtained from ATCC, were resistant to the cytotoxic action of TNF in the absence of the protein-synthesis blocker cycloheximide (CHX). The U937(M) cells, however, were sensitive to the cytotoxic action of TNF both in the presence and absence of cycloheximide. Genetic analysis of the U937 sublines confirmed their common origin. The described U937 sublines may be useful models for analysis of the mechanisms of response to TNF. Additionally, our observation underscores the variability of the U937 cell line, which is described by most authors as a TNF-sensitive line., (Copyright 2001 Academic Press.)

Background: Hepatoblastoma (HBT) is the most common hepatic neoplasm in children. This notwithstanding, little is known about pathogenetic factors, such as genetic abnormalities, of importance for the development and progression of this tumor type. To date, only 33 cytogenetically abnormal HBT have been published, and trisomies for chromosomes 2 and 20 have been shown to be the most frequent aberrations. Recently, unbalanced translocations involving proximal 1q have been described in several HBT, suggesting that a pathogenetically important gene maps to 1q., Procedure: Six primary and one recurrent HBT were cytogenetically analyzed after short-term tissue culture. In addition, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) studies, using locus-specific probes, were performed on three of these pediatric HBT as well as on one previously reported adult HBT., Results: Total or partial trisomy 8, gain of chromosome 20, and structural rearrangements of chromosome 1 were detected in three HBT, and overrepresentation of chromosome 2 material was found in two HBT. The adjacent chromosome bands 1q12 and 1q21 were involved in three translocations, t(1;2), t(1;4), and t(1;11), which were all unbalanced and resulted in gain of 1q material. The previously reported adult HBT displayed 1q deletions with breakpoints at 1q12-21. FISH analyses of the 1q rearrangements revealed that all breakpoints were within the heterochromatic region., Conclusions: These findings provide further support for the importance of trisomies 2, 8, and 20 and rearrangements of 1q in the development of HBT. Furthermore, the consistent localization of breakpoints within the heterochromatic segment of chromosome 1 suggests that the important pathogenetic consequence of 1q abnormalities is the resulting genomic imbalance rather than a specific gene rearrangement.

Chromosome banding analysis of 11 short-term cultured gallbladder carcinomas revealed acquired clonal aberrations in seven tumors (five primary and two metastases). Three of these had one clone, whereas the remaining four were cytogenetically heterogeneous, displaying two to seven aberrant clones. Of a total of 21 abnormal clones, 18 had highly complex karyotypes and three exhibited simple numerical deviations. Double minutes and homogeneously staining regions were observed in one and two carcinomas, respectively. To characterize the karyotypic profile of gallbladder cancer more precisely, we have combined the present findings with our three previously reported cases, thereby providing the largest cytogenetic database on this tumor type to date. A total of 287 chromosomal breakpoints were identified, 251 of which were found in the present study. Chromosome 7 was rearranged most frequently, followed by chromosomes 1, 3, 11, 6, 5, and 8. The bands preferentially involved were 1p32, 1p36, 1q32, 3p21, 6p21, 7p13, 7q11, 7q32, 19p13, 19q13, and 22q13. Nine recurrent abnormalities could, for the first time, be identified in gallbladder carcinoma: del(3)(p13), i(5)(p10), del(6)(q13), del(9)(p13), del(16)(q22), del(17)(p11), i(17)(q10), del(19)(p13), and i(21)(q10). The most common partial or whole-arm gains involved 3q, 5p, 7p, 7q, 8q, 11q, 13q, and 17q, and the most frequent partial or whole-arm losses affected 3p, 4q, 5q, 9p, 10p, 10q, 11p, 14p, 14q, 15p, 17p, 19p, 21p, 21q, and Xp. These chromosomal aberrations and imbalances provide some starting points for molecular analyses of genomic regions that may harbor genes of pathogenetic importance in gallbladder carcinogenesis. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 26:312-321, 1999., (Copyright 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

Myxoid liposarcomas harbor a unique and specific t(12;16)(q13,p11) chromosomal translocation. The breakpoint has recently been identified, and involvement of the TLS/FUS gene on chromosome 16 and the CHOP gene on chromosome 12 was demonstrated. We report a case of a 45-year-old woman who developed multiple malignant lipomatous tumors of unknown origin and myxoid/round cell histology at different locations. To examine the diagnostic potential of this translocation and to develop a hypothesis on the origin of the tumors, we used cytogenetic and molecular cytogenetic methods (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, RT-PCR). We identified a chimeric RNA transcript in the second recurrence in the thigh/groin, as well as in another tumor in the mediastinum, which has an additional sequence of 33 bp, known as fusion transcript type III. Cytogenetic analysis of another tumor in retroperitoneal space revealed a rare type of unbalanced translocation der(16)t(12;16). We hypothesize that these tumors are metastases rather than multicentric tumors. The detection of the chimeric message in the present case is not only useful for differential diagnosis, but also for analyzing the origin of multiple neoplasms.

Tissue from 14 uterine tumor samples from eight patients-four with endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS), two with leiomyosarcoma (ULMS), and two with malignant mixed mesodermal tumor (MMMT)-were investigated cytogenetically after short-term culturing. Clonal chromosome aberrations were found in 12 tumors. One ESS showed a recombination between 7p14 and 17q12, a rearrangement characterizing a subset of ESSs. In our series, chromosomes 1, 6, 7, and 16 were involved in structural aberrations most frequently (four cases each). Net loss of 6q material was found in four cases and bands 11q13, 16q13, and 22q13 were each rearranged in four cases. Among 43 uterine sarcomas, including 12 MMTs, now available for evaluation, some differences in breakpoint distribution among different tumor types were found. Rearrangements of bands 1p32, 3p24, and 10q22 were found exclusively in ULMS, whereas aberrations of bands 6p21, 7p21, and 17q12 were found predominantly in ESS., (Copyright 1998 Academic Press.)

Extragonadal germ cell tumors are rare. The association with Klinefelter syndrome has become observed recently. A case of an 11-month-old infant with Klinefelter syndrome and a retroperitoneal mature teratoma is presented. In the tumor and lymphocytes, a 47,XXY karyotype was found. The association of Klinefelter syndrome with germ cell tumors and its possible explanations are discussed.

We report a case of carcinoma of the gallbladder in a 67-year-old woman. The description comprises the histological, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural and cytogenetical picture of the tumor. The ultrastructural features as well as chromosomal changes may denote the epithelial derivation of the tumor studied.

Cytogenetic analysis of two adult fibrosarcomas revealed clonal chromosomal rearrangements including unbalanced translocations between chromosomes 2 and 19, with the same segment, 2q21-qter, translocated onto 19p13 in one tumor and 19q13 in another; and partial monosomy of 10q due to add(10)(q22) and del(10)(q22q25) seen in one tumor each. This is the first description of nonrandom chromosomal changes in adult fibrosarcoma.