[Molecular genetic studies on ganglioglioma]

To study the genetic alterations of ganglioglioma through the entire genome, and to investigate the pathogenesis of this neoplasm.Comparative genomic hybridization was used to provide an overview of genetic abnormalities in gangliogliomas.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.Loss of genetic materials on chromosome 9p and gain on chromosome 7 may be associated with the pathogenesis of this neoplasm.