Human c-erbB-2 remains on chromosome 17 in band q21 in the 15;17 translocation associated with acute promyelocytic leukemia.

Using the human c-erbB-2 cDNA as a probe, we applied in situ hybridization techniques to acute promyelocytic leukemia cells with a 15;17 chromosome translocation, t(15;17)(q;22;q21), and were able to localize the c-erbB-2 gene on chromosome 17 to band q12 or q21 and on the proximal side of the breakpoint in the translocation. From this finding and previous observations by others, we presume that the gene and the breakpoint are both in band q21.1 of chromosome 17. We suggest possible involvement of the c-erbB-2 gene in the development of the t(15;17)-associated acute promyelocytic leukemia.