Werner's syndrome--chromosome analyses of cultured fibroblasts and mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes.

Abstract

Two cases of Werner's syndrome are reported. Fibroblasts derived from both patients revealed reduced population doubling numbers. Chromosomal analyses for fibroblasts from both patients and lymphocytes from one patient revealed that chromosomal aberrations occur frequently and randomly. Although some of the chromosomal aberrations involved sites where tumour suppressor genes have been mapped, neither of our patients demonstrated malignancy. Chromosomal aberration at one critical site may not be sufficient to induce cancer or additional factors may be necessary.