FREQUENT GAINS AND LOSSES OF SPECIFIC CHROMOSOME SEGMENTS IN HUMAN OVARIAN CARCINOMAS SHOWN BY COMPARATIVE GENOMIC HYBRIDIZATION

Total genomic DNA obtained from 24 ovarian carcinomas was examined for genomic imbalances by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). A vary ing number of gains and losses (1 up to 31) of specific chromosomal se gments was detected per tumor. Chromosomal segments which were most of ten present in increased copy numbers were (in decreasing order): 1q21 , 8q24, 8q23, 3q26, 12p12-p13, 20q, 7q31, and 7q33-qter. Loss of mater ial was found most frequently at 16q12, 13q13-q14, Xq, 8p21-p22, 5q13- q14, and 5q21. All these chromosomal segments involved in gains and lo sses may carry gene loci playing a more or less causal role in the pro cess of ovarian malignancies. Based on these findings CGH can be regar ded as a valuable tool for rapid screening of genomic imbalances in hu man tumors.