Combined Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization Research Articles

Mapping Genes to Chicken Microchromosome 16 and Discovery of Olfactory and Scavenger Receptor Genes Near the Major Histocompatibility Complex

Trisomy mapping is a powerful method for assigning genes to chicken microchromosome 16 (GGA 16). The single chicken nucleolar organizer region (NOR), the 2 major histocompatibility complex regions (MHC-Y and MHC-B), and CD1 genes were all previously assigned to GGA 16 using trisomy mapping. Here, we combined array comparative genomic hybridization with trisomy mapping to screen unassigned genomic scaffolds (consigned temporarily to chrUn_random) for sequences originating from GGA 16. A number of scaffolds mapped to GGA 16. Among these were scaffolds that contain genes for olfactory (OR) and cysteine-rich domain scavenger (SRCR) receptors, along with a number of genes that encode putative immunoglobulin-like receptors and other molecules. We used high-resolution cytogenomic analyses to confirm assignment of OR and SRCR genes to GGA 16 and to pinpoint members of these gene families to the q-arm in partially overlapping regions between the centromere and the NOR. Southern blots revealed sequence polymorphism within the OR/SRCR region and linkage with the MHC-Y region, thereby providing evidence for conserved linkage between OR genes and the MHC within birds. This work localizes OR genes to the vicinity of the chicken MHC and assigns additional genes, including immune defense genes, to GGA 16.

Significance of Genome-Wide Analysis of Copy Number Alterations and UPD in Myelodysplastic Syndromes using Combined CGH – SNP Arrays

Genetic information is an extremely valuable data source in characterizing the personal nature of cancer. Chromosome instability is a hallmark of most cancer cells. Chromosomal abnormalities are correlated with poor prognosis, disease classification, risk stratification, and treatment selection. Copy number alterations (CNAs) are an important molecular signature in cancer initiation, development, and progression. Recent application of whole-genome tools to characterize normal and cancer genomes provides the powerful molecular cytogenetic means to enumerate the multiple somatic, genetic and epigenetic alterations that occur in cancer. Combined array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array is a useful technique allowing detection of CNAs and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) or uni-parental disomy (UPD) together in a single experiment. It also provides allelic information on deletions, duplications, and amplifications. UPD can result in an abnormal phenotype when the chromosomes involved are imprinted. Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are the most common clonal stem cell hematologic malignancy characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis, which leads to rapid progression into acute myeloid leukemia. UPD that occurs without concurrent changes in the gene copy number is a common chromosomal defect in hematologic malignancies, especially in MDS. Approximately 40-50% of MDS patients do not have karyotypic abnormalities that are detectable using classical metaphase cytogenetic techniques (MC) because of inherent limitations of MC, low resolution and the requirement of having dividing cells. In this review, we highlight advances in the clinical application of microarray technology in MDS and discuss the clinical potential of microarray.

Abstract 3440: YWHAZ promotes slug transcription activity and lung cancer metastasis

Abstract Metastasis is a major cause leading to mortality for lung cancer patients and gene copy variation is one common mechanism contributing to human malignancies. To identify the novel metastasis-related genes, an approach combined array comparative genomic hybridization and expression microarray was applied in a lung cancer invasion cell model. YWHAZ was identified as a potential candidate, which plays an important role in a wide variety of cellular processes. Nevertheless, its role and underlying mechanism in lung cancer metastasis remain unclear. In this study, we found that YWHAZ promotes cell proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, invasion and migration in vitro, as well as tumorigenesis and metastasis in vivo. It not only increases cell protrusions and branchings but also induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Furthermore, YWHAZ associates with β-catenin and enhances slug expression which is regulated by the β-catenin/TCF signaling pathway in lung cancer cells. Our findings demonstrate that YWHAZ plays a critical role in promoting invasion and metastasis of human lung adenocarcinoma cells, which might provide new insight into the future treatment of lung cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3440. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3440

Chromosome 9q and 16q Loss Identified by Genome-Wide Pooled-Analysis Are Associated with Tumor Aggressiveness in Patients with Classic Medulloblastoma

Medulloblastoma (MB) is one of the most aggressive pediatric brain tumor. We report genome-wide pooled-analysis of classic MB variant of patients over 3 years of age at diagnosis. We combined array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) results from experimental analysis (31 cases) with two public databases (55 cases) in a final evaluation of 86 MBs. The most common chromosome structural aberrations were gains of 17q (45.3%), 1q (22.1%), and losses of 8p (15.1%), 10q (19.8%), 17p (37.2%), and 16q (16.3%). Isochromome (17q) was observed in 29.1% MBs. A significant association between poor patients survival and losses of 9q (p < 0.0023), 10q (p < 0.012), and 16q (p < 0.036) was observed. Univariate analysis showed association of 9q loss (p < 0.008) and 16q loss (p = 0.05) with adverse overall survival (OS). Chromosome 6 monosomy was a protective event although statistically borderline (p = 0.066). After adjusting for confounding factors, a poor OS was found for patients whose tumor has 9q loss [hazard ratio (HR) = 3.97; p < 0.006) or 16q loss (HR = 2.41; p = 0.038). Our results highlight the importance of genomic studies in different MB histological variants and indicate a genotype-phenotype correlation.

Single-cell comparative genomic hybridization analysis of micronucleated cells

SINCE the first description of comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) by Anne Kallioniemi et al. in 1992 (1,2), the technique became the most effective tool to scan copy number variations in both tumor and normal genome (3). Conventional cytogenetic analysis of chromosome abnormalities in different diseases has been exceptionally important in identifying different level of alterations, however, for some tumor entities, classical cytogetenetics has been less successful because the complexity chromosomal alterations or difficulty culturing tumor cells in vitro (4). The use of CGH methods in research has accelerated the speed of gene discovery in human genetics. During the last 15 years it provided a wide spectrum of comprehensive information that is useful in clinical oncology, medical genetics, and basic science (5–7). In a classical CGH experiment, total genomic DNA originated from a test and reference tissues or cell populations are labeled with different fluorescent dyes and hybridized to normal chromosomes and location of copy number variations between test and reference genomic DNAwas mapped to he physical position on the normal chromosomes. The copy number of a given sequences were calculated from the relative fluorescence intensity of the hybridized genomic DNAs (8). A few years later, the target chromosomes have been replaced with small DNA elements that are mapped directly to the genome sequence. During the last 10 years array CGH profiling has allowed a deeper insight into the biology of a variety of tumor types and in the near future will undoubtedly prove to be a key technology leading to better molecular classification of different malignancies, prediction of more accurate outcome and prognosis. Array CGH as a revolutionary platform was adopted in the clinical laboratory just recently (9). High-resolution array CGH in combination with interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (I-FISH) provides a complete description of genomic imbalances together with an evaluation of the contribution of cellto-cell variation to copy number changes at a single-cell level (10) and gives important (7,11,12) information about the chromosome instability present in the tumor genome. Most human solid tumors exhibit different level of chromosomal instability (CIN) including gains or losses of whole or different parts of chromosomes and chromosome rearrangements. The term, CIN has to be clearly distinguished from genomic instability as it was summarized recently by Geigl et al. (13). Beside CIN, genomic instability involves microsatellite instability, epigenetic alterations, and yet other not known forms of instabilities (13). Determination of CIN requires techniques that can monitor cell-to-cell variability of chromosomal alterations. Current methods for the assessment of cell-to-cell variability of chromosome alterations include interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (I-FISH), different approaches of color karyotyping, and single-cell comparative genomic hybridization. Using I-FISH, we can detect aneusomies of chromosomes with centromere specific DNA probes, identify segmental copy number changes (DNA gains

Genomic signatures of chromosomal instability and osteosarcoma progression detected by high resolution array CGH and interphase FISH

Osteosarcoma (OS) is characterized by an unstable karyotype which typically has a heterogeneous pattern of complex chromosomal abnormalities. High-resolution array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) in combination with interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses provides a complete description of genomic imbalances together with an evaluation of the contribution of cell-to-cell variation to copy number changes. There have been no analyses to date documenting genomic signatures consistent with chromosomal instability mechanisms in OS tumors using array CGH. In this study, we utilized high-resolution array CGH to identify and characterize recurrent signatures of genomic imbalances using ten OS tumors. Comparison between the genomic profiles identified tumor groups with low, intermediate and high levels of genomic imbalance. Bands 6p22→p21, 8q24 and 17p12→ p11.2 were consistently involved in high copy gain or amplification events. Since these three locations have been consistently associated with OS oncogenesis, FISH probes from each cytoband were used to derive an index of cellular heterogeneity for copy number within each region. OS with the highest degree of genomic imbalance also exhibited the most extreme cell-to-cell copy number variation. Significantly, the three OS with the most imbalance and genomic copy number heterogeneity also had the poorest response to preoperative chemotherapy. This genome wide analysis is the first utilizing oligonucleotide array CGH in combination with FISH analysis to derive genomic signatures of chromosomal instability in OS tumors by studying genomic imbalance and intercellular heterogeneity. This comprehensive genomic screening approach provides important insights concerning the mechanisms responsible for generating complex genomes. The resulting phenotypic diversity can generate tumors with a propensity for an aggressive disease course. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms leading to OS tumor development could result in the identification of prognostic markers and therapeutic targets.

Cell Cycle Regulator GeneCDC5L, a Potential Target for 6p12-p21 Amplicon in Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is a primary malignant tumor of bone arising from primitive bone-forming mesenchymal cells and accounts for approximately 60% of malignant bone tumors. Our comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) studies have identified frequent amplification at 6p12-p21, 12q13-q15, and 17p11.2 in osteosarcoma. Of these amplified regions, 6p12-p21 is particularly interesting because of its association with progression and poor prognosis in patients with osteosarcoma. In an attempt to identify aberrantly expressed gene(s) mapping to the 6p12-p21 amplicon, a region-specific array was generated using 108 overlapping BAC and P1 clones covering a 28.8-Mb region at 0.26-Mb intervals. Based on array CGH analysis, the 6p amplicon was refined to 7.9 Mb between the clones RP11-91E11 and RP1-244F2 and 10 amplified clones, with possible target genes, were identified. To study the expression pattern of the target genes from the hotspot amplicon and known candidate genes from 6p12-21, we did quantitative reverse transcription-PCR analysis of MAPK14, MAPK13, CDKN1A, PIM1, MDGA1, BTB9, DNAH8, CCND3, PTK7, CDC5L, and RUNX2 on osteosarcoma patient samples and seven cell lines. The combined array CGH and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR analysis identified amplification and overexpression of CDC5L, CCND3, and RUNX2. We screened these three genes for protein expression by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry and detected overexpression of CDC5L. Furthermore, we used an in vivo assay to show that CDC5L possesses potential oncogenic activity. These results indicate that CDC5L, a cell cycle regulator important for the G2-M transition, is the most likely candidate oncogene for the 6p12-p21 amplicon found in osteosarcoma.

Combined cDNA Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization and Serial Analysis of Gene Expression Analysis of Breast Tumor Progression

To identify genetic changes involved in the progression of breast carcinoma, we did cDNA array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) on a panel of breast tumors, including 10 ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), 18 invasive breast carcinomas, and two lymph node metastases. We identified 49 minimal commonly amplified regions (MCRs) that included known (1q, 8q24, 11q13, 17q21-q23, and 20q13) and several uncharacterized (12p13 and 16p13) regional copy number gains. With the exception of the 17q21 (ERBB2) amplicon, the overall frequency of copy number alterations was higher in invasive tumors than that in DCIS, with several of them present only in invasive cancer. Amplification of candidate loci was confirmed by quantitative PCR in breast carcinomas and cell lines. To identify putative targets of amplicons, we developed a method combining array CGH and serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) data to correlate copy number and expression levels for each gene within MCRs. Using this approach, we were able to distinguish a few candidate targets from a set of coamplified genes. Analysis of the 12p13-p12 amplicon identified four putative targets: TEL/ETV6, H2AFJ, EPS8, and KRAS2. The amplification of all four candidates was confirmed by quantitative PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization, but only H2AFJ and EPS8 were overexpressed in breast tumors with 12p13 amplification compared with a panel of normal mammary epithelial cells. These results show the power of combined array CGH and SAGE analysis for the identification of candidate amplicon targets and identify H2AFJ and EPS8 as novel putative oncogenes in breast cancer.

Combined Array-Comparative Genomic Hybridization and Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism-Loss of Heterozygosity Analysis Reveals Complex Changes and Multiple Forms of Chromosomal Instability in Colorectal Cancers

Cancers with chromosomal instability (CIN) are held to be aneuploid/polyploid with multiple large-scale gains/deletions, but the processes underlying CIN are unclear and different types of CIN might exist. We investigated colorectal cancer cell lines using array-comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) for copy number changes and single-copy number polymorphism (SNP) microarrays for allelic loss (LOH). Many array-based CGH changes were not found by LOH because they did not cause true reduction-to-homozygosity. Conversely, many regions of SNP-LOH occurred in the absence of copy number change, comprising an average per cell line of 2 chromosomes with complete LOH; 1-2 terminal regions of LOH (mitotic recombination); and 1 interstitial region of LOH. SNP-LOH detected many novel changes, representing possible locations of uncharacterized tumor suppressor loci. Microsatellite unstable (MSI+) lines infrequently showed gains/deletions or whole-chromosome LOH, but their near-diploid karyotypes concealed mitotic recombination frequencies similar to those of MSI- lines. We analyzed p53 and chromosome 18q (SMAD4) in detail, including mutation screening. Almost all MSI- lines showed LOH and/or deletion of p53 and 18q; some near-triploid lines had acquired three independent changes at these loci. We found consistent results in primary colorectal cancers. Overall, the distributions of mitotic recombination and whole-chromosome LOH in the MSI- cell lines differed significantly from random, with some lines having much higher than expected levels of these changes. Moreover, lines with more LOH changes had significantly fewer copy number changes. These data suggest that CIN is not synonymous with copy number change and some cancers have a specific tendency to whole-chromosome deletion and regain or to mitotic recombination.

Combined Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization and Tissue Microarray Analysis Suggest PAK1 at 11q13.5-q14 as a Critical Oncogene Target in Ovarian Carcinoma

Amplification of chromosomal regions leads to an increase of DNA copy numbers and expression of oncogenes in many human tumors. The identification of tumor-specific oncogene targets has potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications. To identify distinct spectra of oncogenic alterations in ovarian carcinoma, metaphase comparative genomic hybridization (mCGH), array CGH (aCGH), and ovarian tumor tissue microarrays were used in this study. Twenty-six primary ovarian carcinomas and three ovarian carcinoma cell lines were analyzed by mCGH. Frequent chromosomal overrepresentation was observed on 2q (31%), 3q (38%), 5p (38%), 8q (52%), 11q (21%), 12p (21%), 17q (21%), and 20q (52%). The role of oncogenes residing in gained chromosomal loci was determined by aCGH with 59 genetic loci commonly amplified in human tumors. DNA copy number gains were most frequently observed for PIK3CA on 3q (66%), PAK1 on 11q (59%), KRAS2 on 12p (55%), and STK15 on 20q (55%). The 11q13-q14 amplicon, represented by six oncogenes (CCND1, FGF4, FGF3, EMS1, GARP, and PAK1) revealed preferential gene copy number gains of PAK1, which is located at 11q13.5-q14. Amplification and protein expression status of both PAK1 and CCND1 were further examined by fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry using a tissue microarray consisting of 268 primary ovarian tumors. PAK1 copy number gains were observed in 30% of the ovarian carcinomas and PAK1 protein was expressed in 85% of the tumors. PAK1 gains were associated with high grade (P < 0.05). In contrast, CCND1 gene alterations and protein expression were less frequent (10.6% and 25%, respectively), suggesting that the critical oncogene target of amplicon 11q13-14 lies distal to CCND1. This study demonstrates that aCGH facilitates further characterization of oncogene candidates residing in amplicons defined by mCGH.