Clonal Expansion and Loss of Heterozygosity at Chromosomes 9p and 17p in Premalignant Esophageal (Barrett's) Tissue

Abstract

LOH at 9p and 17p chromosomes are highly prevalent somatic genetic lesions in premalignant Barrett's tissue. LOH at 9p is more common than LOH at 17p in diploid samples and can be detected over greater regions of Barrett's epithelium. In most patients with high-grade dysplasia, the Barrett's mucosa contains a mosaic of clones and subclones with different patterns of LOH. Some clones had expanded to involve extensive regions of Barrett's epithelium. LOH at 9p and 17p chromosomes may be useful biomarkers to stratify patients' risk of progression to esophageal cancer.