FISH, interphase cytogenetics, gene rearrangements]

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible involvement of chromosome abnormalities in pathogenesis of human esophageal cancer. METHODS: Four cell lines of human esophageal cancer (EC) established in our laboratory were analysed using interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), chromosome painting technique and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). RESULTS: Chromosome gain of 1,2,3,8,16, 17, and 20 was found in the four cell lines, and loss of chromosome Y in cell line EC8712, EC8733 and EC8501 was noted. Other frequent changes were partial deletion of 1p, translocation of 2q and amplification of 5p in all 4 cell lines, and amplification of 8q and 13q in EC8733 and deletion of 17p in EC8712. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that nonrandom chromosome aberrations may play an important role in the pathogenesis of human esophageal cancer.