Genomic changes in glioblastoma cell lines detected by comparative genomic hybridization.

Comparative genomic hybridization serves as a screening test for regions of copy number changes in tumor genomes. We have applied the technique to map DNA gains and losses in 5 cell lines derived from glioblastoma multiforme, the most common primary neoplasm of the central nervous system. The most frequent losses occurred on chromosomes 10 and 13. The most common gains were observed on chromosomes 5, 6, 7 and 20. Some novel sites of genomic alterations were also observed. Analysis of common areas of loss and gain in these cell lines provides a basis for future attempts to more finely map these genetic changes and for elucidation of genes involved in tumor progression.