Deletion mapping of chromosome 16q in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) frequently shows an allelic imbalance (AI) o n chromosome 16q. In order to define the commonly affected regions on chrom osome 16q, we assessed AI studies in 41 HCCs using a panel of 37 microsatel lite markers. Thirty-five cases (85%) showed AI at one or more loci. Among the 35 cases with AI, 21 cases showed multiple AI, suggesting the wide scop e of deletion on the long arm of chromosome 16, and the remaining 14 cases showed partial AI. Detailed deletion mapping identified two independent com monly deleted regions on this chromosome arm. These included the D16S3106 l ocus and D16S498 locus. In conclusion, we have demonstrated frequent AI on 16q in HCCs and identified two loci with frequent Al, which may harbour new tumour suppressor genes.