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Department of Cytogenetics

The workplace is integrated into the Laboratory Complex of ÚHKT. It continuously maintains an independent and impartial assessment of the professional competence of the Laboratory Complex according to the standard ČSN EN ISO 15189, the application of which is verified by the Czech Accreditation Institute. Examination methods within the scope of accreditation are defined by the Attachment to the Accreditation Certificate in the current version, which is available on the website ÚHKT.

The Cytogenetics Department deals with cytogenetic and molecular-cytogenetic diagnosis of acquired chromosomal aberrations in tumor cells in adult patients with various types of hematological malignancies. These examinations are important in establishing a diagnosis, determining prognosis, and monitoring the effectiveness of therapy. 

The workplace has introduced and uses all available classical and cytogenomic methods for diagnostic and research purposes. 

In classical cytogenetic analysis, bone marrow cells or stimulated and unstimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes are cultured in growth medium. Chromosome preparations are stained using the appropriate banding method (G-banding of chromosomes in metaphase) and subsequently evaluated using a microscope and computer image analysis. Based on the results of classical cytogenetic analysis, all pathological findings are verified using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) methods. This method enables the identification of numerical and structural changes in both dividing and non-dividing cells (interphase nuclei). It is used for screening the most common chromosomal changes in hematological malignancies, for detecting residual leukemic cells after chemotherapy, or for detecting complex chromosomal rearrangements that cannot be determined by classical cytogenetic analysis. For the study of structural chromosomal changes, all available FISH method modifications (I-FISH, cIg FISH, mFISH, mBAND) are used, and research chip technologies (aCGH, aCGH/SNP) are also employed.

Our workplace participates in the research activity of the ÚHKT research plan, which focuses primarily on genome instability issues in leukemic cells. The aim of research studies is molecular-cytogenetic analysis of cryptic deletions and chromosomal rearrangements in bone marrow and blood cells of patients with myeloid neoplasia and myeloid leukemias. Using molecular techniques, precise breakpoint locations on chromosomes are identified and corresponding genes in deleted regions are mapped. The study of chromosomal changes serves not only for clinical stratification of patients into prognostic groups, but is also an essential basis for identifying genes that are associated with the development and progression of tumors. Analysis of these genes and their products helps us understand the pathogenesis of malignant transformation and significantly contributes to the development of new therapeutics and targeted therapy.

The Cytogenetics Department cooperates very closely with the Center for Tumor Cytogenomics at Charles University based on an agreement between the two institutions from 2002. 

Employees are bound by confidentiality according to the Health Services Act, 372/2011 Coll.

Trust and high data security is one of the fundamental priorities in the activities of the Laboratory Complex of ÚHKT. The implemented procedures are conducted in accordance with the Personal Data Processing Act 110/2019 Coll., and Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council, of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data and repealing Directive 95/46/EC. More information is available on the website ÚHKT.