Isolation of Tumor Suppressor Genes in Melanoma by cDNA Microarray

The multistep genetic alterations thought to involve both oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes that are causally related to melanocytic transformation remain largely undetermined (1 ). Mapping of alterations to chromosome 6 indicates that multiple genetic loci on 6q contribute causally to the development and progression of malignant melanoma (1 ). This notion is also supported by the introduction of chromosome 6 in malignant melanoma cell lines suppressing either their tumorigenicity (2 ) or metastasis (3 ,4 ). However, the suppressor genes involved have yet to be identified.