ECK,a HumanEPH-Related Gene, Maps to 1p36.1, a Common Region of Alteration in Human Cancers

Abstract

Mouseeck,a member of theEPHgene family, has been mapped to mouse chromosome 4. The syntenic relationship between this chromosome and human chromosome 1 suggests that the humanECKgene maps to the distal short arm of human chromosome 1 (1p). Since this region is frequently deleted or altered in certain tumors of neuroectodermal origin, it is important to define the specific chromosomal localization of the humanECKgene. PCR screening of a rodent–human somatic cell hybrid panel byECK-specific primers showed thatECKis indeed localized to human chromosome 1. Additional PCR screening of a regional screening panel for chromosome 1p indicated thatECKis localized to 1p36, distal toFUCA1.Furthermore, fluorescencein situhybridization analysis with anECK-specific P1 clone showed thatECKmaps proximal to genetic markerD1S228.Taken together, the data suggest thatECKmaps to 1p36.1, a region that is frequently deleted in neuroblastoma, melanoma, and other neuroectodermal tumors.