Case Report

Tetraploidization in Wilms tumor in an infant

Published: August 10, 2010
Genet. Mol. Res. 9 (3) : 1577-1581 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4238/vol9-3gmr880
Cite this Article:
E.T. Valera, M.S. Brassesco, C.A. Scrideli, L.G. Tone (2010). Tetraploidization in Wilms tumor in an infant. Genet. Mol. Res. 9(3): 1577-1581. https://doi.org/10.4238/vol9-3gmr880
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Abstract

Genetic instability is frequent in human cancer. Unscheduled tetraploidization can trigger cell transformation and tumorigenesis. We made a cytogenetic analysis by Giemsa-trypsin banding of a stage I, biphasic Wilms tumor diagnosed in a 10-month-old male. An evident karyotypic heterogeneity was found. Four different subclones of tumor cells were observed, with DNA content varying from diploid to near-tetraploid complements. The genetic events involved in the acquisition of aneuploidy in Wilms tumor remain unclear. We hypothesize that initial tetraploidization caused aberrant cell division, leading to abnormal chromosomal segregation, cell transformation and tumorigenesis.

Genetic instability is frequent in human cancer. Unscheduled tetraploidization can trigger cell transformation and tumorigenesis. We made a cytogenetic analysis by Giemsa-trypsin banding of a stage I, biphasic Wilms tumor diagnosed in a 10-month-old male. An evident karyotypic heterogeneity was found. Four different subclones of tumor cells were observed, with DNA content varying from diploid to near-tetraploid complements. The genetic events involved in the acquisition of aneuploidy in Wilms tumor remain unclear. We hypothesize that initial tetraploidization caused aberrant cell division, leading to abnormal chromosomal segregation, cell transformation and tumorigenesis.