Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Probes Research Articles

Comprehensive characterization, annotation and innovative use of Infinium DNA methylation BeadChip probes.

Illumina Infinium DNA Methylation BeadChips represent the most widely used genome-scale DNA methylation assays. Existing strategies for masking Infinium probes overlapping repeats or single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are based largely on ad hoc assumptions and subjective criteria. In addition, the recently introduced MethylationEPIC (EPIC) array expands on the utility of this platform, but has not yet been well characterized. We present in this paper an extensive characterization of probes on the EPIC and HM450 microarrays, including mappability to the latest genome build, genomic copy number of the 3΄ nested subsequence and influence of polymorphisms including a previously unrecognized color channel switch for Type I probes. We show empirical evidence for exclusion criteria for underperforming probes, providing a sounder basis than current ad hoc criteria for exclusion. In addition, we describe novel probe uses, exemplified by the addition of a total of 1052 SNP probes to the existing 59 explicit SNP probes on the EPIC array and the use of these probes to predict ethnicity. Finally, we present an innovative out-of-band color channel application for the dual use of 62 371 probes as internal bisulfite conversion controls.

Genome-wide CNV analysis reveals variants associated with growth traits in Bos indicus.

BackgroundApart from single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), copy number variation (CNV) is another important type of genetic variation, which may affect growth traits and play key roles for the production of beef cattle. To date, no genome-wide association study (GWAS) for CNV and body traits in beef cattle has been reported, so the present study aimed to investigate this type of association in one of the most important cattle subspecies: Bos indicus (Nellore breed).ResultsWe have used intensity data from over 700,000 SNP probes across the bovine genome to detect common CNVs in a sample of 2230 Nellore cattle, and performed GWAS between the detected CNVs and nine growth traits. After filtering for frequency and length, a total of 231 CNVs ranging from 894 bp to 4,855,088 bp were kept and tested as predictors for each growth trait using linear regression analysis with principal components correction. There were 49 significant associations identified among 17 CNVs and seven body traits after false discovery rate correction (P < 0.05). Among the 17 CNVs, three were significant or marginally significant for all the traits. We have compared the locations of associated CNVs with quantitative trait locus and the RefGene database, and found two sets of 9 CNVs overlapping with either known QTLs or genes, respectively. The gene overlapping with CNV100, KCNJ12, is a functional candidate for muscle development and plays critical roles in muscling traits.ConclusionThis study presents the first CNV-based GWAS of growth traits using high density SNP microarray data in cattle. We detected 17 CNVs significantly associated with seven growth traits and one of them (CNV100) may be involved in growth traits through KCNJ12.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-2461-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

An integrated analysis tool for analyzing hybridization intensities and genotypes using new-generation population-optimized human arrays.

BackgroundAffymetrix Axiom single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays provide a cost-effective, high-density, and high-throughput genotyping solution for population-optimized analyses. However, no public software is available for the integrated genomic analysis of hybridization intensities and genotypes for this new-generation population-optimized genotyping platform.ResultsA set of statistical methods was developed for an integrated analysis of allele frequency (AF), allelic imbalance (AI), loss of heterozygosity (LOH), long contiguous stretch of homozygosity (LCSH), and copy number variation or alteration (CNV/CNA) on the basis of SNP probe hybridization intensities and genotypes. This study analyzed 3,236 samples that were genotyped using different SNP platforms. The proposed AF adjustment method considerably increased the accuracy of AF estimation. The proposed quick circular binary segmentation algorithm for segmenting copy number reduced the computation time of the original segmentation method by 30–67 %. The proposed CNV/CNA detection, which integrates AI and LOH/LCSH detection, had a promising true positive rate and well-controlled false positive rate in simulation studies. Moreover, our real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction experiments successfully validated the CNVs/CNAs that were identified in the Axiom data analyses using the proposed methods; some of the validated CNVs/CNAs were not detected in the Affymetrix Array 6.0 data analysis using the Affymetrix Genotyping Console. All the analysis functions are packaged into the ALICE (AF/LOH/LCSH/AI/CNV/CNA Enterprise) software.ConclusionsALICE and the used genomic reference databases, which can be downloaded from http://hcyang.stat.sinica.edu.tw/software/ALICE.html, are useful resources for analyzing genomic data from the Axiom and other SNP arrays.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-2478-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The Mouse Universal Genotyping Array: From Substrains to Subspecies

Genotyping microarrays are an important resource for genetic mapping, population genetics, and monitoring of the genetic integrity of laboratory stocks. We have developed the third generation of the Mouse Universal Genotyping Array (MUGA) series, GigaMUGA, a 143,259-probe Illumina Infinium II array for the house mouse (Mus musculus). The bulk of the content of GigaMUGA is optimized for genetic mapping in the Collaborative Cross and Diversity Outbred populations, and for substrain-level identification of laboratory mice. In addition to 141,090 single nucleotide polymorphism probes, GigaMUGA contains 2006 probes for copy number concentrated in structurally polymorphic regions of the mouse genome. The performance of the array is characterized in a set of 500 high-quality reference samples spanning laboratory inbred strains, recombinant inbred lines, outbred stocks, and wild-caught mice. GigaMUGA is highly informative across a wide range of genetically diverse samples, from laboratory substrains to other Mus species. In addition to describing the content and performance of the array, we provide detailed probe-level annotation and recommendations for quality control.

Mosaic deletion of 20pter due to rescue by somatic recombination

We report on a unique case of a mosaic 20pter-p13 deletion due to a somatic repair event identified by allele differentiating single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) probes on chromosomal microarray. Small terminal deletions of 20p have been reported in a few individuals and appear to result in a variable phenotype. This patient was a 24-month-old female who presented with failure to thrive and speech delay. Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) performed on peripheral blood showed a 1.6 Mb deletion involving the terminus of 20p (20pter-20p13). This deletion appeared mosaic by CMA and this suspicion was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. Additionally, the deletion interval at 20p was directly adjacent to 15 Mb of mosaic copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity (LOH). The pattern of SNP probes was highly suggestive of a somatic repair event that resulted in rescue of the deleted region using the non-deleted homologue as a template. Structural mosaicism is rare and most often believed to be due to a postzygotic mechanism. This case demonstrates the additional utility of allele patterns to help distinguish mechanisms and in this case identified the possibility of either a post-zygotic repair of a germline deletion or a post-zygotic deletion with somatic recombination repair in a single step.

Genome wide DNA copy number analysis in cholangiocarcinoma using high resolution molecular inversion probe single nucleotide polymorphism assay

In order to study molecular similarities and differences of intrahepatic (IH-CCA) and extrahepatic (EH-CCA) cholangiocarcinoma, 24 FFPE tumor samples (13 IH-CCA, 11 EH-CCA) were analyzed for whole genome copy number variations (CNVs) using a new high-density Molecular Inversion Probe Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (MIP SNP) assay.Common in both tumor subtypes the most frequent losses were detected on chromosome 1p, 3p, 6q and 9 while gains were mostly seen in 1q, 8q as well as complete chromosome 17 and 20. Applying the statistical GISTIC (Genomic Identification of Significant Targets in Cancer) tool we identified potential novel candidate tumor suppressor- (DBC1, FHIT, PPP2R2A) and oncogenes (LYN, FGF19, GRB7, PTPN1) within these regions of chromosomal instability.Next to common aberrations in IH-CCA and EH-CCA, we additionally found significant differences in copy number variations on chromosome 3 and 14. Moreover, due to the fact that mutations in the Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH-1 and IDH-2) genes are more frequent in our IH-CCA than in our EH-CCA samples, we suggest that the tumor subtypes have a different molecular profile.In conclusion, new possible target genes within regions of high significant copy number aberrations were detected using a high-density Molecular Inversion Probe Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (MIP SNP) assay, which opens a future perspective of fast routine copy number and marker gene identification for gene targeted therapy.

PCR for detection of oseltamivir resistance mutation in influenza A(H7N9) virus.

Sensitive molecular techniques are needed for rapid detection of the R292K oseltamivir-resistant mutant of influenza A(H7/N9) virus strain to monitor its transmission and guide antiviral treatment. We developed a real-time reverse transcription PCR and single nucleotide polymorphism probes to differentiate this mutant strain in mixed virus populations in human specimens.

A High-Density SNP Genotyping Array for Rice Biology and Molecular Breeding

A high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array is critically important for geneticists and molecular breeders. With the accumulation of huge amounts of genomic re-sequencing data and available technologies for accurate SNP detection, it is possible to design high-density and high-quality rice SNP arrays. Here we report the development of a high-density rice SNP array and its utility. SNP probes were designed by screening more than 10 000 000 SNP loci extracted from the re-sequencing data of 801 rice varieties and an array named RiceSNP50 was produced on the Illumina Infinium platform. The array contained 51 478 evenly distributed markers, 68% of which were within genic regions. Several hundred rice plants with parent/F1 relationships were used to generate a high-quality cluster file for accurate SNP calling. Application tests showed that this array had high genotyping accuracy, and could be used for different objectives. For example, a core collection of elite rice varieties was clustered with fine resolution. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) analysis correctly identified a characterized QTL. Further, this array was successfully used for variety verification and trait introgression. As an accurate high-throughput genotyping tool, RiceSNP50 will play an important role in both functional genomics studies and molecular breeding.

Choroid plexus carcinomas are characterized by complex chromosomal alterations related to patient age and prognosis

Choroid plexus carcinoma is a malignant brain tumor predominantly occurring in young children. Only limited data are available regarding the underlying molecular genetic alterations. Therefore, molecular inversion probe single nucleotide polymorphism (MIP SNP) arrays were performed on a series of 26 neuropathologically well-characterized choroid plexus carcinomas. Recurrent copy number losses of chromosomes 5, 6, 16, 18, 19, and 22 as well as gains of chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 12, and 20 were identified. Furthermore, GISTIC analysis identified significant recurrent gains of 17 genes in 9 regions, and recurrent losses of 96 genes in 14 regions. Clustering analysis separated choroid plexus carcinomas into two groups: one characterized by marked losses and the other characterized by gains across the chromosomes. Chromosomal losses of 9, 19p, and 22q were significantly more frequent in younger children (<36 months), whereas gains on chromosomes 7 and 19, and chromosome arms 8q, 14q, and 21q prevailed in older patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that loss of 12q was associated with shorter survival [12 ± 5 months vs. 86 ± 8 months; (mean ± SD; P = 0.001)] and, in addition, 45 smaller chromosomal regions showing genetic alterations significantly associated with survival could be identified. The MIP SNP array profiles also contributed to the diagnosis of two difficult SMARCB1-negative tumors as choroid plexus carcinoma and cribriform neuroepithelial tumor (CRINET), respectively. In conclusion, choroid plexus carcinomas are characterized by complex genetic alterations, which are related to patient age and may have prognostic and diagnostic value.

Analysis of Germline Gene Copy Number Variants of Patients with Sporadic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Reveals Specific Variations

Objectives: The rapid fatality of pancreatic cancer is, in large part, the result of diagnosis at an advanced stage in the majority of patients. Identification of individuals at risk of developing pancreatic adenocarcinoma would be useful to improve the prognosis of this disease. There is presently no biological or genetic indicator allowing the detection of patients at risk. Our main goal was to identify copy number variants (CNVs) common to all patients with sporadic pancreatic cancer. Methods: We analyzed gene CNVs in leukocyte DNA from 31 patients with sporadic pancreatic adenocarcinoma and from 93 matched controls. Genotyping was performed with the use of the GeneChip Human Mapping 500K Array Set (Affymetrix). Results: We identified 431 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) probes with abnormal hybridization signal present in the DNA of all 31 patients. Of these SNP probes, 284 corresponded to 3 or more copies and 147 corresponded to 1 or 0 copies. Several cancer-associated genes were amplified in all patients. Conversely, several genes supposed to oppose cancer development were present as single copy. Conclusions: These data suggest that a set of 431 CNVs could be associated with the disease. This set could be useful for early diagnosis.

Catching the Genomic Wave in Oligonucleotide Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Arrays by Modeling Sequence Binding

The genomic wave has been identified as a major artifact in genome data and is highly correlated with the sequence GC content. Although statistical methods have been developed to filter this artifact, the mechanism underlying the genomic wave has not been studied yet. Understanding of the artifact, specifically the sources of the artifact, may lead to successful separation of biological signals from the artifact and improve array design, modeling, and association studies. We develop an approach to catching the genomic wave in the oligonucleotide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays by separating biological signals from the array baseline background through modeling sequence binding with a newly developed probe intensity composite representation (PICR) model. The PICR model decomposes the probe intensity of each SNP probe set into the target sequence concentrations, SNP-specific background (nonsignal) and measurement error, and identifies the biological signals through the target concentration for each allele. We demonstrate with the Affymetrix GeneChip 500K HapMap data and the Wellcome Trust Case-Control Study data that the genomic wave is captured through the SNP-specific background term of the PICR model, and is separated successfully from the allelic target concentrations-the biological signals. We further identify two important sources of the genomic waves, the GC content and the fragment length (FL) of the sequence, and conclude that (1) the genomic wave artifact can be removed from the genome data with the PICR model, and (2) in addition to the GC content, the genomic wave also has a component of nonlinear effect of the FL.

Combined array CGH plus SNP genome analyses in a single assay for optimized clinical testing

In clinical diagnostics, both array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping have proven to be powerful genomic technologies utilized for the evaluation of developmental delay, multiple congenital anomalies, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Differences in the ability to resolve genomic changes between these arrays may constitute an implementation challenge for clinicians: which platform (SNP vs array CGH) might best detect the underlying genetic cause for the disease in the patient? While only SNP arrays enable the detection of copy number neutral regions of absence of heterozygosity (AOH), they have limited ability to detect single-exon copy number variants (CNVs) due to the distribution of SNPs across the genome. To provide comprehensive clinical testing for both CNVs and copy-neutral AOH, we enhanced our custom-designed high-resolution oligonucleotide array that has exon-targeted coverage of 1860 genes with 60 000 SNP probes, referred to as Chromosomal Microarray Analysis – Comprehensive (CMA-COMP). Of the 3240 cases evaluated by this array, clinically significant CNVs were detected in 445 cases including 21 cases with exonic events. In addition, 162 cases (5.0%) showed at least one AOH region >10 Mb. We demonstrate that even though this array has a lower density of SNP probes than other commercially available SNP arrays, it reliably detected AOH events >10 Mb as well as exonic CNVs beyond the detection limitations of SNP genotyping. Thus, combining SNP probes and exon-targeted array CGH into one platform provides clinically useful genetic screening in an efficient manner.

Density matters: comparison of array platforms for detection of copy-number variation and copy-neutral abnormalities

A combination of oligonucleotide and single-nucleotide polymorphism probes on the same array platform can detect copy-number abnormalities and copy-neutral aberrations such as uniparental disomy and long stretches of homozygosity. The single-nucleotide polymorphism probe density in commercially available platforms varies widely, which may affect the detection of copy-neutral abnormalities. We evaluated the ability of array platforms with low (Oxford Gene Technology CytoSure ISCA uniparental disomy), mid-range (Agilent custom array), and high (Affymetrix CytoScan HD) single-nucleotide polymorphism probe density to detect copy-number variation, mosaicism, uniparental isodisomy, and absence of heterozygosity in 50 clinical samples. All platforms reliably detected copy-number variation, mosaicism, and uniparental isodisomy; however, absence-of-heterozygosity detection varied significantly. The low-density array called absence-of-heterozygosity regions not confirmed by the other platforms and also overestimated the length of true absence-of-heterozygosity regions. Furthermore, the low- and mid-density platforms failed to detect some small absence-of-heterozygosity regions that were identified by the high-density platform. Variation in single-nucleotide polymorphism density can lead to major discrepancies in the detection of and confidence in copy-neutral abnormalities. Although suitable for uniparental disomy detection, copy-number plus single-nucleotide polymorphism arrays with 30,000 or fewer unique single-nucleotide polymorphism probes miscall absence-of-heterozygosity regions due to identity by descent.

G-SNPM - A GPU-based SNP mapping tool

G-SNPM - A GPU-based SNP mapping tool

Development of a Suspension Microarray for the Genotyping of African Swine Fever Virus Targeting the SNPs in the C-Terminal End of the p72 Gene Region of the Genome

African swine fever virus (ASFV) causes one of the most dreaded transboundary animal diseases (TADs) in Suidae. African swine fever (ASF) often causes high rates of morbidity and mortality, which can reach 100% in domestic swine. To date, serological diagnosis has the drawback of not being able to differentiate variants of this virus. Previous studies have identified the 22 genotypes based on sequence variation in the C-terminal region of the p72 gene, which has become the standard for categorizing ASFVs. This article describes a genotyping assay developed using a segment of PCR-amplified genomic DNA of approximately 450 bp, which encompasses the C-terminal end of the p72 gene. Complementary paired DNA probes of 15 or 17 bp in length, which are identical except for a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the central position, were designed to either individually or in combination differentiate between the 22 genotypes. The assay was developed using xMAP technology; probes were covalently linked to microspheres, hybridized to PCR product, labelled with a reporter and read in the Luminex 200 analyzer. Characterization of the sample was performed by comparing fluorescence of the paired SNP probes, that is, the probe with higher fluorescence in a complementary pair identified the SNP that a particular sample possessed. In the final assay, a total of 52 probes were employed, 24 SNP pairs and 4 for general detection. One or more samples from each of the 22 genotypes were tested. The assay was able to detect and distinguish all 22 genotypes. This novel assay provides a powerful novel tool for the simultaneous rapid diagnosis and genotypic differentiation of ASF.

Diagnostic interpretation of array data using public databases and internet sources.

The range of commercially available array platforms and analysis software packages is expanding and their utility is improving, making reliable detection of copy-number variants (CNVs) relatively straightforward. Reliable interpretation of CNV data, however, is often difficult and requires expertise. With our knowledge of the human genome growing rapidly, applications for array testing continuously broadening, and the resolution of CNV detection increasing, this leads to great complexity in interpreting what can be daunting data. Correct CNV interpretation and optimal use of the genotype information provided by single-nucleotide polymorphism probes on an array depends largely on knowledge present in various resources. In addition to the availability of host laboratories' own datasets and national registries, there are several public databases and Internet resources with genotype and phenotype information that can be used for array data interpretation. With so many resources now available, it is important to know which are fit-for-purpose in a diagnostic setting. We summarize the characteristics of the most commonly used Internet databases and resources, and propose a general data interpretation strategy that can be used for comparative hybridization, comparative intensity, and genotype-based array data.

Abstract 5095: CGH+SNP microarrays for copy-neutral aberration detection in cancer research

Abstract Advances in cancer research have greatly benefited from high resolution copy number (CN) measurements provided by oligo array Comparative Genomic Hybridization (aCGH). The addition of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) measurements to CGH microarrays enables the detection of copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity (cnLOH) events and allelic imbalances arising from genomic instability during cancer development and progression. Nonetheless, cancer studies face challenges associated with genomes’ aneuploidy, polyclonality and mosaicism due to the admixtures of tumor and normal cells. In the quest to decipher tumor complexity, the power and sensitivity of Agilent's CGH+SNP platform has been expanded with new computational methods capable of determining clonal fraction, total CN and allele-specific CN in aneuploid samples. Genomic DNA from hematology-oncology samples, cell lines and a genotyped control sample was digested with AluI and RsaI restriction endonucleases to allow for SNP profiling at the enzymes’ restriction sites. Experimental and reference samples were differentially labeled and hybridized to the Agilent Cancer CGH+SNP microarray, containing ∼20K cancer associated CGH probes, ∼100K backbone probes and ∼60K SNP probes. The data were analyzed using algorithms with extended capability to determine clonal fraction, total and allele-specific CN of the aberrant clone. As expected, significant diversity was found in different chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) tumors. In one CLL sample a small homozygous deletion and cnLOH were identified on chromosome 13. In another CLL case a trisomy of the entire chromosome 12 was observed, together with a small hemizygous deletion and cnLOH on chromosome 18. An Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) tumor sample was found to harbor an amplification on chromosome 6, as well as two small amplifications on chromosome X. To assess the ability of detecting low level mosaicism, we conducted a mixed sample experiment whereby a sample with a known aberration was mixed at known ratios with a matched sample not containing the aberration. The computed clonal fraction, total and allele-specific CN matched the expected values. We have shown that the new algorithms developed for cancer sample analysis determined the genotypes, total copy numbers and clonal fractions in aneuploid samples highly mixed with normal cell populations. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5095. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5095

Development of a molecular marker to discriminate Korean Rubus species medicinal plants based on the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer and chloroplast trnL-F intergenic region sequences

Rubi Fructus (Bokbunja in Korean) is a traditional oriental medicine often prescribed as the immature fruit of Rubus coreanus in the Korean pharmacopoeia or Rubus chingii in the Chinese pharmacopoeia. However, Rubus crataegifolius is presently the most popular form in the market. Correctly identifying these fruits is difficult due to morphological similarities in their dried immature forms. Therefore, nucleotide sequences of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA), internal transcribed spacer, chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) trnL-F, and psbA-trnH intergenic spacer were analyzed to develop objective methods for discrimination among R. coreanus, R. crataegifolius, and R. chingii. Based on trnL-F intergenic sequences, three sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers (CorF/CorR, HwaF2/HwaR2, SanF/SanR) were developed to distinguish the three species. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis of the trnL-F intergenic sequences showed that R. crataegifolius is widely distributed in the Korean Rubi Fructus market as Korean product and imported goods from China. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) that can be used to discriminate Korean Bokbunja medicine from those imported from China was developed, established the SNP marker, and conducted real-time PCR with a designed inflorescence probe. The developed SCAR marker and SNP probe were useful for distinguishing and authenticating the Korean and Chinese species that constitute Rubi Fructus medicines.

Discovery of novel variants in genotyping arrays improves genotype retention and reduces ascertainment bias.

BackgroundHigh-density genotyping arrays that measure hybridization of genomic DNA fragments to allele-specific oligonucleotide probes are widely used to genotype single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genetic studies, including human genome-wide association studies. Hybridization intensities are converted to genotype calls by clustering algorithms that assign each sample to a genotype class at each SNP. Data for SNP probes that do not conform to the expected pattern of clustering are often discarded, contributing to ascertainment bias and resulting in lost information - as much as 50% in a recent genome-wide association study in dogs.ResultsWe identified atypical patterns of hybridization intensities that were highly reproducible and demonstrated that these patterns represent genetic variants that were not accounted for in the design of the array platform. We characterized variable intensity oligonucleotide (VINO) probes that display such patterns and are found in all hybridization-based genotyping platforms, including those developed for human, dog, cattle, and mouse. When recognized and properly interpreted, VINOs recovered a substantial fraction of discarded probes and counteracted SNP ascertainment bias. We developed software (MouseDivGeno) that identifies VINOs and improves the accuracy of genotype calling. MouseDivGeno produced highly concordant genotype calls when compared with other methods but it uniquely identified more than 786000 VINOs in 351 mouse samples. We used whole-genome sequence from 14 mouse strains to confirm the presence of novel variants explaining 28000 VINOs in those strains. We also identified VINOs in human HapMap 3 samples, many of which were specific to an African population. Incorporating VINOs in phylogenetic analyses substantially improved the accuracy of a Mus species tree and local haplotype assignment in laboratory mouse strains.ConclusionThe problems of ascertainment bias and missing information due to genotyping errors are widely recognized as limiting factors in genetic studies. We have conducted the first formal analysis of the effect of novel variants on genotyping arrays, and we have shown that these variants account for a large portion of miscalled and uncalled genotypes. Genetic studies will benefit from substantial improvements in the accuracy of their results by incorporating VINOs in their analyses.

Genome wide copy number analysis of paediatric Burkitt lymphoma using formalin‐fixed tissues reveals a subset with gain of chromosome 13q and corresponding miRNA over expression

The majority of paediatric Burkitt lymphoma (pBL) patients that relapse will die of disease, but markers for this high-risk subset are unknown. MYC translocations characterize pBL, but additional genetic changes may relate to prognosis and serve as potential biomarkers. We utilized a molecular inversion probe single nucleotide polymorphism assay to perform high resolution, genome-wide copy number analysis on archival formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded pBL and germline tissues. We identified copy number abnormalities (CNAs) in 18/28 patients (64%) with a total of 62 CNAs that included 32 gains and 30 copy number losses. We identified seven recurrent CNAs including 1q gain (7/28, 25%), 13q gain (3/28, 11%), and 17p loss (4/28, 14%). The minimum common amplified region on 13q was at 13q31 and included the MIR17HG (MIR17-92) locus. Samples with this gain had higher levels of MIR17 RNA and showed a tendency for early relapse. Tumour-specific uniparental disomy was identified in 32% of cases and usually was recurrent. These results demonstrate that high-resolution copy number analysis can be performed on archival lymphoma tissue specimens, which has significance for the study of rare diseases.