Comprehensive allelotyping of hepatoblastoma.

Background/Aims: Hepatoblastoma is the most common malignant liver tumor to affect young children. Methodology: To identify loci of potential tumor suppressor genes, associated with HB, we carried out a genome-wide allelotyping study in panel of 15 HBs using 67 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers including 14 known tumor suppressor gene loci. Results: Allelic losses at microsatellite loci were frequent on 1q (73.3%), 4q (26.7%), 13q (73.3%), 17p (46.7%), and 17q (86.7%). Deletion mapping of these chromosome arms localized commonly deleted regions to 1q44, 4q21-22, 13q14 (containing Rb1), 17p13 (containing TP53), and 17q11.2 (containing NF1). Conclusions: Allelic losses at multiple loci may implicate chromosomal instability as an important factor in development and progression of HB.