Aberrant copy numbers of ALK gene is a frequent genetic alteration in neuroblastomas

Hum Pathol. 2009 Nov;40(11):1638-42. doi: 10.1016/j.humpath.2009.05.002. Epub 2009 Aug 5.

Abstract

A total of 50 neuroblastomas were assessed for frequency of ALK gene copy number aberrations by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization using a break-apart fluorescence in situ hybridization probe. The data were compared with status of MYCN, 11q, 17q, and 1p36. We observed ALK aberrations (amplification, 1 of 45; gain, 15 of 45 and loss/imbalance, 11 of 45) in a total of 27 (60%) of 45 neuroblastomas. Synchronic MYCN and ALK aberrations accounted for 23 of 45 (51%) tumors; however, MYCN alterations were also detected in 11 (60%) of 18 tumors without ALK aberrations. Our data suggest that copy number aberrations of the ALK gene is a frequent genetic event in the development of neuroblastomas. In addition, no correlation was observed between ALK aberrations and alterations of 11q, 17q, and 1p36.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase
  • Gene Dosage
  • Humans
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  • N-Myc Proto-Oncogene Protein
  • Neuroblastoma / genetics*
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • Oncogene Proteins / genetics
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / genetics*
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • Tissue Array Analysis

Substances

  • MYCN protein, human
  • N-Myc Proto-Oncogene Protein
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Oncogene Proteins
  • ALK protein, human
  • Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases