Variability of chromosomes in the VUP permanent cell line derived from uveal malignant melanoma.

A permanent cell line [VUP] derived 31 years ago from human malignant melanoma of the choroid has been characterized by genetically firmly anchored heteronuclearity. The most significant chromosomal changes of this cell line are: high instability of the chromosome No. 13 with the rise of new chromosomes formed by translocations, homologous stability of chromosomes 6, 15, and X. Structural changes were not revealed in chromosomes 15 and 22. The variability of chromosomes was studied both by classical conventional methods as well as with GTG banding and DNA hybridization in situ (FISH). Structural diversity was demonstrated in a number of morphologically congruent chromosomes. For example, X chromosome classified morphologically as chromosome No. 10 was determined by means of FISH technique, as a centric fragment Xq with translocated acentric fragment of other chromosomes. Furthermore, mar-t, previously considered to be q arm of chromosome No. 4, is formed by a centric fragment of chromosome No. 13 and an acentric fragment of chromosome No. 1.