Genomic imbalances in childhood medulloblastoma by comparative genomic hybridization

Abstract

We used comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) technique to identify the genetic changes in 12 childhood medulloblastoma samples obtained from archived paraffin-embedded tissues belonging to children (0.7-15 years-old) using double step degenerate oligonucleotide-primed polymerase chain reaction (DOP-PCR). CGH analysis showed that the most common genetic alterations were gains of chromosomes 4p15p16, 7p21p22, 9q22q31,14q31,17p12, and Xp11 and non-specific losses. In conclusion, the regions of the chromosomes 9q22q31, 14q31, and 17p12 may harbour the novel site for oncogene(s) and/or tumor sup-pressor gene(s) playing role in transformation and progres-sion of childhood medulloblastoma tumors.