Characterisation of the chromosome breakpoints in a patient with a constitutional translocation t(1;17)(p36.31-p36.13;q11.2-q12) and neuroblastoma.

Cytogenetic and molecular studies in neuroblastoma suggest the presence of a tumour suppressor gene at the distal chromosome band 1p36. Previously, we hypothesised that a constitutional translocation involving the region 1p36 [t(1;17)(p36;q12-q21)] in a patient with neuroblastoma predisposed him to tumour development. Here we report the molecular delineation of the translocation breakpoints. Somatic cell hybrids containing the derivative chromosomes were used to determine the position of chromosome 1p and 17q DNA probes respective to the breakpoints using fluorescence in situ hybridisation. The 1p breakpoint was localised between the PND and D1S56 loci. The chromosome 17q breakpoint is flanked by NF1 and SCYA7, as proximal and distal marker, respectively. We redefined the translocation as t(1;17)(p36.31-13;q11.2-q12). The identification of flanking markers of the breakpoints is a prerequisite for breakpoint cloning and identification of a putative neuroblastoma suppressor gene.