This laboratory is interested in the delineation of chromosomal aberration that occur during the genesis of solid tumors. The laboratory uses a variety of molecular cytogenetic and biology techniques with particular focus on fluorescence in situ hybridization, quantitative digital image analysis and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Loss of function of tumor suppressor genes and gain of function of proto-oncogenes in solid tumors is often accompanied by a net loss or gain of genetic material. These changes occur sequentially and are accumulated during the transition from normal epithelium to dysplasia and eventually invasive carcinoma. In order to establish a phenotype/genotype correlation in solid tumor progression we have analyzed tumors of the uterine cervix as a model system. Using comparative genomic hybridization which is a new molecular cytogenetic technique, that allows to screen tumor genomes for genetic imbalances and to determine the chromosomal map position of DNA copy number changes on reference metaphase chromosomes we delineated a consistent chromosomal aberrations that occurs at the transition point of severe dysplasia to invasive carcinoma. Using region specific DNA probes these aberrations can now be tested directly in cytological preparation used in routine diagnostic settings by means of interphase cytogenetics. Other model systems for tumor progression were studied in the lab using a similar analytical approach: the progression from low grade to high grade astrocytic tumors, differences in diploid and aneuploid breast carcinomas, genetic aberrations in the genesis of colorectal carcinomas, and chromosomal aberration that define the differences between low and high grade lymphomas. In order to dissect the effects of specific gene mutations on genetic stability and genomic integrity we have developed molecular cytogenetic techniques (interphase FISH and comparative genomic hybridization) for the study of chromosomal aberration in mice. Transgenic animals for loss of function mutation of tumor suppressor genes (e.g. p53 or BRCA1) and gain of function mutations of oncogenes are analyzed and the status quo of DNA gains and losses studied at specific time points during malignant transformation.
