Loss of Y chromosome with retention of Y heterochromatin in a marker chromosome from a human melanoma.

A single copy of a der 15 chromosome (m3) characterized by a C- and distamycin A-Dapi-positive region was observed in the -Y hyperploid karyotype of a primary human melanoma (Me 1402). The heterochromatic region was located pericentromerically, adjacent at one end to the NOR region of chromosome 15, and at the other to an unclassifiable chromosomal piece. We established that the C-positive block in the marker chromosome originated from Y heterochromatin by high-stringency in situ hybridization with a DNA probe for the 2.1 Hae III Y-specific repeat. Loss of the Y chromosome in tumors has been considered to be a secondary event associated with malignant evolution. It is significant that Me 1402 cells, which are highly malignant, lack the Y chromosome, but retain its heterochromatic portion in the rearranged m3 chromosome.