Analysis of the chromosomal abnormalities of a woodchuck hepatocellular carcinoma-derived cell line (WH257GE10).

The normal woodchuck karyotype was determined by the G-banding technique, and the chromosomal abnormalities of a woodchuck hepatocellular carcinoma-derived cell line (WH257GE10) were analyzed and compared with it. The normal woodchuck karyotype was 38,XY in a male, and 38,XX in a female. Autosomes were classified into 2 groups (A and B). Group A consisted of 13 pairs (1-13) of metacentric or sub-metacentric chromosomes, and group B consisted of 5 pairs (14-18) of telocentric or sub-telocentric ones. The X chromosome was sub-metacentric, and the Y chromosome was telocentric. In WH257GE10, the modal number was 36. Deletion of one of the chromosome 5 pair, of the chromosome 13 pair, and of the Y chromosome was observed. Two marker chromosomes (M1 and M2) were found. These markers showed the same G-banded patterns except for a small chromosome fragment at the distal part of the long arm of M1. The chromosome aberrations were very stable through successive passages in vitro. These findings suggest that the chromosomal abnormalities found in WH257GE10 might be associated with the pathogenesis of woodchuck hepatocellular carcinoma.