[Molecular genetic studies on ganglioglioma].

Objective: To study the genetic alterations of ganglioglioma through the entire genome, and to investigate the pathogenesis of this neoplasm.

Methods: Comparative genomic hybridization was used to provide an overview of genetic abnormalities in gangliogliomas.

Results: Five cases of gangliogliomas, including 3 males and 2 females, were studied genetically. Loss of genetic materials on the short arm of chromosome 9(9p) was a common genetic alteration found in 3 of 5 cases. Overrepresentation of chromosome 7 was another recurrent chromosomal imbalance, which was further confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which was located on 7p11-p13. All five cases revealed no abnormal expression of EGFR. On the other hand, genetic imbalances were also involved in multiple chromosomes including 2q33-q34, 8q12-q22, 14q21-qter, 15q26-qter and Y.

Conclusion: Loss of genetic materials on chromosome 9p and gain on chromosome 7 may be associated with the pathogenesis of this neoplasm.