RECURRENT REARRANGEMENTS IN THE HIGH-MOBILITY GROUP PROTEIN GENE, HMGI-C, IN BENIGN MESENCHYMAL TUMORS

We recently showed that the 1.7 megabase multiple aberration region (M AR) on human chromosome 12q15 harbours recurrent breakpoints frequentl y found in a variety of benign solid tumours. We now report a candidat e gene within MAR suspected to be of pathogenetical relevance. Using p ositional cloning, we have identified the high mobility group protein gene HMGI-C within a 175 kilobase segment of MAR and characterized its genomic organization. By FISH analysis, we show the majority of the b reakpoints of eight different benign solid tumour types fall within th is gene, By Southern blot and 3'-RACE analysis, we demonstrate consist ent rearrangements in HMGI-C and/or expression of altered HMGI-C trans cripts. These results suggest a link between a member of the HMG gene family and benign solid tumour development.