Comprehensive SNP array study of frequently used neuroblastoma cell lines; copy neutral loss of heterozygosity is common in the cell lines but uncommon in primary tumors
2011

Study of Genetic Changes in Neuroblastoma Cell Lines and Tumors

Sample size: 144 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Kryh Hanna, Carén Helena, Erichsen Jennie, Sjöberg Rose-Marie, Abrahamsson Jonas, Kogner Per, Martinsson Tommy

Primary Institution: Department of Clinical Genetics, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg

Hypothesis

The frequency and distribution of copy neutral loss of heterozygosity (CN-LOH) and other allelic imbalances differ between neuroblastoma cell lines and primary tumors.

Conclusion

The study found that CN-LOH events are more frequent in neuroblastoma cell lines compared to primary tumors, indicating significant genetic differences.

Supporting Evidence

  • 35% of primary neuroblastoma tumors presented with at least one region of near-CN-LOH.
  • 87% of neuroblastoma cell lines showed near-CN-LOH events.
  • The frequency of near-CN-LOH was significantly higher in cell lines than in primary tumors.

Takeaway

This study looked at how often certain genetic changes happen in cancer cells compared to regular tumors, finding that lab-grown cancer cells often have more changes.

Methodology

High density single nucleotide polymorphism arrays were used to analyze 134 primary neuroblastoma tumors and 10 neuroblastoma cell lines.

Limitations

The study could not fully distinguish between tumor-derived CN-LOH and inherited events due to the lack of matched control samples.

Participant Demographics

134 primary neuroblastoma tumors from Sweden, including various stages of the disease.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.002

Statistical Significance

p = 0.002

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2164-12-443

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