An unusually proximal deletion on the short arm of chromosome 3 in a patient with small cell lung cancer.

The tumors of patients with small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) frequently exhibit the loss of alleles at polymorphic loci on the short arm of chromosome 3. We report the genotype analysis of six SCLC patients obtained using 15 chromosome 3 probes that identified 19 restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs). Five of the six patients were reduced to homozygosity in the tumor DNA at every informative 3p locus, and thus did not serve to delineate the deletion. However, the RFLP analysis of the tumor DNA of the sixth patient demonstrated both heterozygous and hemizygous loci on 3p and allowed the definition of an interstitial deletion that extends proximal to the D3S2 locus at 3p14.2-p21 to include at least 3p13-p14. The exclusion of the D3F15S2 locus from the deleted region, observed in this patient, is an uncharacteristic feature of SCLC deletions. This deletion includes the location of D3S30 and D3S4, and thus serves to map these loci within the proximal half of chromosome 3.     

Regional localization of DNA probes on the short arm of chromosome 11 using aniridia-Wilms' tumor-associated deletions

Summary We are interested in the precise localization of various DNA probes on the short arm of chromosome 11 for our research on the aniridia-Wilms' tumor association (AWTA), assigned to region 11p13 (Knudson and Strong 1972; Riccardi et al. 1978). For this purpose we have screened lymphocyte DNA and material derived from somatic cell hybrids from individuals with constitutional 11p deletions with a range of available probes: D11S12; calcitonin/CGRP (CALC1/CALC2); insulin (INS); Harvey ras 1 (HRAS 1); beta-globin gene cluster (HBBC); human insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2); parathyroid hormone (PTH); human pepsinogen A (PGA). Using this material, it has been possible to map all probes used, except insulin, outside the region 11p111-p15.1, resulting in an SRO (same regional overlap) of 11p15.1-p15.5 for most probes. We found an SRO for PGA of 11p111-q12 and an SRO for CALC2 of 11p15.1-p15.5 or 11p111-q12. We have localised the insulin gene to band 11p15.1.     

The genes for CD37, CD53, and R2, all members of a novel gene family,are located on different chromosomes

CD37, CD53, and R2 leukocyte surface antigens are members of a novel family of structurally related proteins. They all have four transmembrane-spanning domains with a single major extracellular loop. The CD37 is expressed on B cells and on a sub-population of T cells. The CD53 is known as a panleukocyte marker. The R2 protein is an activation antigen of T cells. The CD37, CD53, and R2 genes were assigned with the help of human/rodent somatic cell hybrids and human-specific probes to human chromosomes 19, 1, and 11, respectively. For the regional assignment, various deletion hybrids were used to map CD37 to 19p13-q13.4, CD53 to 1p12-p31, and R2 to 11p12.     

Alu-PCR Approach to Isolating NotI-Linking Clones from the 3p14-p21 Region Frequently Deleted in Renal Cell Carcinoma

In the mammalian genome CpG islands are associated with functional genes and cloning of these islands could be an alternative approach for cloning functional genes. Recently we have developed a new approach for cloning CpG islands and constructing NotI linking libraries. We have initiated the construction of a NotI restriction map for chromosome 3, especially focusing on the rearrangements in the 3p14-p21 region, which are associated with different malignancies. CpG islands from this region are useful for isolation of candidate tumor suppressor genes that map to this region and for isolating NotI-linking clones from 3p14-p21 for mapping purposes. Here we suggest a modification of Alu-PCR as an approach to isolating Not I sites (e.g., CpG islands) from defined regions of the chromosome. Instead of using whole chromosomal DNA for Alu-PCR, we have used representative NotI-linking libraries from hybrid cell lines containing either whole or deleted human chromosome 3 (MCH903.1 and MCH924.4, respectively). This decreases the complexity of the Alu-PCR products 10-100 times compared to the whole human genome. Using this modification, we can isolate NotI-linking clones, which are natural markers on the chromosome, rather than random genomic fragments. Among eight clones selected by this method, seven were from the region deleted in MCH924.4. The results clearly demonstrate the feasibility of Alu-PCR for isolating CpG islands from defined regions of the genome.     

Molecular and cytogenetic analysis in two patients with microdeletions of 7p and Greig syndrome: hemizygosity for PGAM2 and TCRG genes

Greig cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome (GCPS) is an autosomal dominant disorder that has been mapped to 7p13. We have investigated two patients with GCPS and a cytogenetically visible microdeletion of the short arm of chromosome 7 with gene probes that have been assigned close to the proposed Greig locus. Deletion breakpoints were determined from high-resolution G- and R-banded chromosomes. In patient BC with a de novo deletion (7p12.3-7p14.2) we have found a loss of the genomic region containing the T-cell receptor gamma (TCRG) gene cluster, whereas the other patient IR with a deletion (7p11.2-7p13) due to a de novo translocation was apparently normal for this region. Gene dosage analysis revealed a loss of the phosphoglycerate mutase muscular form (PGAM2) gene locus in both patients. Hox 1.4 and interferon-beta 2 (IFNB2) showed a normal gene dosage. Our investigations revealed the following ordering and assignments of the studied genes: PGAM2 and GCPS in 7p12.3-13; TCRG in the distal part of 7p13-7p14.2; Hox 1.4 and IFNB2 distal to 7p14.2. Our results suggest a location of the TCRG gene more proximal than that reported previously. Furthermore, we were able to exclude the Hox 1.4 gene from involvement in the pathogenesis of GCPS.     

Inherited deletion of 9p22.3-p24.3 and duplication of 18p11.31-p11.32 associated with neurodevelopmental delay: Phenotypic matching of involved genes

We describe a 3.5-year-old Iranian female child and her affected 10-month-old brother with a maternally inherited derivative chromosome 9 [der(9)]. The postnatally detected rearrangement was finely characterized by aCGH analysis, which revealed a 15.056 Mb deletion of 9p22.3-p24.3p22.3 encompassing 14 OMIM morbid genes such as DOCK8, KANK1, DMRT1 and SMARCA2, and a gain of 3.309 Mb on 18p11.31-p11.32 encompassing USP14, THOC1, COLEC12, SMCHD1 and LPIN2. We aligned the genes affected by detected CNVs to clinical and functional phenotypic features using PhenogramViz. In this regard, the patient's phenotype and CNVs data were entered into PhenogramViz. For the 9p deletion CNV, 53 affected genes were identified and 17 of them were matched to 24 HPO terms describing the patient's phenotypes. Also, for CNV of 18p duplication, 22 affected genes were identified and six of them were matched to 13 phenotypes. Moreover, we used DECIPHER for in-depth characterization of involved genes in detected CNVs and also comparison of patient phenotypes with 9p and 18p genomic imbalances. Based on our filtration strategy, in the 9p22.3-p24.3 region, approximately 80 pathogenic/likely pathogenic/uncertain overlapping CNVs were in DECIPHER. The size of these CNVs ranged from 12.01 kb to 18.45 Mb and 52 CNVs were smaller than 1 Mb in size affecting 10 OMIM morbid genes. The 18p11.31-p11.32 region overlapped 19 CNVs in the DECIPHER database with the size ranging from 23.42 kb to 1.82 Mb. These CNVs affect eight haploinsufficient genes.     

Molecular mapping and cloning of the breakpoints of a chromosome 11p14.1-p13 deletion associated with the AGR syndrome

Chromosome 11p13 is frequently rearranged in individuals with the WAGR syndrome (Wilms tumor, aniridia, genitourinary anomalies, and mental retardation) or parts of this syndrome. To map the cytogenetic aberrations molecularly, we screened DNA from cell lines with known WAGR-related chromosome abnormalities for rearrangements with pulsed field gel (PFG) analysis using probes deleted from one chromosome 11 homolog of a WAGR patient. The first alteration was detected in a cell line from an individual with aniridia, genitourinary anomalies, mental retardation, and a deletion described as 11p14.1-p13. We have located one breakpoint close to probe HU11-164B and we have cloned both breakpoint sites as well as the junctional fragment. The breakpoints subdivide current intervals on the genetic map, and the probes for both sides will serve as important additional markers for a long-range restriction map of this region. Further characterization and sequencing of the breakpoints may yield insight into the mechanisms by which these deletions occur.     

A somatic cell hybrid panel and DNA probes for physical mapping of human chromosome 7p.

To identify by reverse genetics genes on the short arm of human chromosome 7 expected to be involved in the regulation of human craniofacial and limb development, we have set up a human mouse somatic cell hybrid panel that divides 7p into 9 fragments. The breakpoints are defined by deletions or translocations involving one chromosome 7 in the cells of the human cell fusion partners. Particularly densely covered with these cytogenetic anchor points is the proximal area of 7p within and around 7p13. The number of cytogenetic mapping points within proximal 7p could be increased by four, using two diploid human cell lines with small interstitial deletions in this region for dosage studies. We used Southern blots of this panel to assign to 7q or subregions of 7p more than 300 arbitrary DNA probes or genes that provide reference points for physical mapping of 7p. Three reciprocal translocations with one of the breakpoints in 7p13 mark the location of a gene involved in Greig cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome. To define an area in which we could identify candidates for this developmental gene, we established a macrorestriction map using probes flanking the putative gene region. The Greig translocations were found to be located within a 630-kb NotI restriction fragment.     

Mapping of Aldose Reductase Gene Sequences to Human Chromosomes 1, 3, 7, 9, 11, and 13

Aldose reductase (alditol:NAD(P)+ 1-oxidoreductase; EC 1.1.1.21) (AR) catalyzes the reduction of several aldehydes, including that of glucose, to the corresponding sugar alcohol. Using a complementary DNA clone encoding human AR, we mapped the gene sequences to human chromosomes 1, 3, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, and 18 by somatic cell hybridization. By in situ hybridization analysis, sequences were localized to human chromosomes 1q32-q42, 3p12, 7q31-q35, 9q22, 11p14-p15, and 13q14-q21. As a putative functional AR gene has been mapped to chromosome 7 and a putative pseudogene to chromosome 3, the sequences on the other seven chromosomes may represent other active genes, non-aldose reductase homologous sequences, or pseudogenes.     

Chromosome 7p disruptions in Silver Russell syndrome: delineating an imprinted candidate gene region

Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) is characterised by pre- and postnatal growth restriction (PNGR) and additional dysmorphic features including body asymmetry and fifth finger clinodactyly. The syndrome is genetically heterogeneous, with a number of chromosomes implicated. However, maternal uniparental disomy for chromosome 7 has been demonstrated in up to 10% of all cases. Three SRS probands have previously been described with a maternally inherited duplication of 7p11.2-p13, defining this as a candidate region. Over-expression of a maternally transcribed, imprinted gene with growth-suppressing activity located within the duplicated region, or breakpoint disruption of genes or regulatory sequences, may account for the phenotype in these cases. Here we describe two additional SRS patients and four probands with PNGR with a range of cytogenetic disruptions of 7p, including duplications, pericentric inversions and a translocation. An incomplete contig consisting of 80 PACs and BACs from the centromere to 7p14 was constructed. Individual clones from this contig were used as FISH probes to map the breakpoints in the six new cases and the three duplication probands previously described. Our data provide further evidence for a candidate SRS region at 7p11.1-p14. A common breakpoint region was identified within 7p11.2 in all nine cases, pinpointing this specific interval. The imprinting status of genes within the 7p11.1-p14 region flanked by the most extreme breakpoints have been analysed using both somatic cell hybrids containing a single full-length maternally or paternally derived chromosome 7 and expressed single nucleotide polymorphisms in paired fetal and maternal samples.     

A 5.5-Mb High-Resolution Integrated Map of Distal 11q13

The distal part of 11q13, which contains several genes relevant to human diseases, has been poorly mapped as part of genome-wide mapping efforts. In the prospect of drawing a fine-scale integrated map of the area containingKRN1andOMP,we have established a framework of markers by hybridization to DNA of somatic cell hybrids and by fluorescencein situhybridization (FISH) on metaphase chromosomes. The probes studied were used to isolate 27 YACs and 16 cosmids that could be organized in three contigs covering approximately 6 Mb. These contigs were separated by two gaps that are likely to contain sequences underrepresented in YAC libraries. They were then integrated based on long-range restriction mapping and DNA-fiber FISH into a high-resolution physical map, which covers a 5.5-Mb region and includes 36 anonymous markers and 10 genes. This map will be used to search for genes within the 2/3 of this region where none have been localized as yet. It will also lay the ground for the characterization of an amplicon surroundingGARPin breast cancer and for the search of disease genes within this region.     

DNA copy number changes in human malignant fibrous histiocytomas by array comparative genomic hybridisation

Background

Malignant fibrous histiocytomas (MFHs), or undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas, are in general high-grade tumours with extensive chromosomal aberrations. In order to identify recurrent chromosomal regions of gain and loss, as well as novel gene targets of potential importance for MFH development and/or progression, we have analysed DNA copy number changes in 33 MFHs using microarray-based comparative genomic hybridisation (array CGH).

Principal findings

In general, the tumours showed numerous gains and losses of large chromosomal regions. The most frequent minimal recurrent regions of gain were 1p33-p32.3, 1p31.3-p31.2 and 1p21.3 (all gained in 58% of the samples), as well as 1q21.2-q21.3 and 20q13.2 (both 55%). The most frequent minimal recurrent regions of loss were 10q25.3-q26.11, 13q13.3-q14.2 and 13q14.3-q21.1 (all lost in 64% of the samples), as well as 2q36.3-q37.2 (61%), 1q41 (55%) and 16q12.1-q12.2 (52%). Statistical analyses revealed that gain of 1p33-p32.3 and 1p21.3 was significantly associated with better patient survival (P = 0.021 and 0.046, respectively). Comparison with similar array CGH data from 44 leiomyosarcomas identified seven chromosomal regions; 1p36.32-p35.2, 1p21.3-p21.1, 1q32.1-q42.13, 2q14.1-q22.2, 4q33-q34.3, 6p25.1-p21.32 and 7p22.3-p13, which were significantly different in copy number between the MFHs and leiomyosarcomas.

Conclusions

A number of recurrent regions of gain and loss have been identified, some of which were associated with better patient survival. Several specific chromosomal regions with significant differences in copy number between MFHs and leiomyosarcomas were identified, and these aberrations may be used as additional tools for the differential diagnosis of MFHs and leiomyosarcomas.     

Tn7-encoded proteins

Summary Proteins encoded by Tn7 have been studied in Escherichia coli maxicells harbouring either various deleted ColE1:: Tn7 plasmids or Tn7 fragments cloned in pBR322. Six Tn7-encoded proteins were detected and named p18, p32, p40, p54, p85-a and p85-b according to their apparent molecular weight. Protein p18 is dihydrofolate reductase type I and p32 is probably the protein conferring resistance to streptomycin/spectinomycin. Both genes map on the lefthand part of Tn7. The genes for the four other proteins are located on the right-hand part of Tn7. We propose that they fully cover a 6.9 kb DNA fragment without any overlapping. Starting from the right-hand end towards the middle of the transposon, these four genes are in the following order: p85-a, p54, p40 and p85-b. Transposition of Tn7 onto E. coli plasmids requires the proteins p85-a, p85-b, p54 and p40. However, transposition onto the chromosome does not require the p85-b and p40 products.     

Chromosomal localization of 9 KOX zinc finger genes: physical linkages suggest clustering of KOX genes on chromosomes 12, 16, and 19

Nine KOX zinc finger genes were localized on four human chromosomes by in situ hybridization of cDNA probes to metaphase chromosomes. KOX1 (ZNF10), KOX11 (ZNF18), and KOX12 (ZNF19) were mapped to chromosome bands 12q24.33, 17p13-p12, and 16q22-q23, respectively. Six other KOX genes were localized on chromosome 19: KOX6 (ZNF14) and KOX13 (ZNF20) to 19p13.3-p13.2, KOX5 (ZNF13) and KOX22 (ZNF27) to 19q13.2-qter, and KOX24 (ZNF28) and KOX28 (ZNF30) to 19q13.4. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis experiments showed that the pairs of KOX genes found on the chromosome bands 12q24.33, 16q22-q23, 19p13.3-p13.2, or 19q13.3-qter lie within 200–300 kb DNA fragments. This suggests the existence of KOX gene clusters on these chromosomal bands.     

A 1-Mb Physical Map and PAC Contig of the Imprinted Domain in 11p15.5 That Contains TAPA1 and the BWSCR1/WT2 Region

We have constructed a 1-Mb contig in human chromosomal band 11p15.5, a region implicated in the etiology of several embryonal tumors, including Wilms tumor, and in Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome. Cosmid, P1, PAC, and BAC clones were characterized byNotI/SalI digestion and hybridized to a variety of probes to generate a detailed physical map that extends from D11S517 to L23MRP. Included in the map are the CARS, NAP2, p57/KIP2, KVLQT1, ASCL2, TH, INS, IGF2, H19, and L23MRP genes as well as end probes isolated from PACs. The TAPA1 gene, whose protein product can transmit an antiproliferative signal, was also localized in the contig. However, Northern blot analysis demonstrated that its expression did not correlate with tumorigenicity in G401 Wilms tumor hybrids, suggesting that TAPA1 is not responsible for the tumor suppression associated with 11p15.5. Genomic clones were used as probes in FISH analysis to map the breakpoints from three Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome patients and a rhabdoid tumor. Interestingly, each of the breakpoints disrupts the KVLQT1 gene, which is spread over a 400-kb region of the contig. Since 11p15.5 contains several genes with imprinted expression and one or more tumor suppressor genes, our contig and map provide a framework for characterizing this intriguing genetic environment.     

Chromosomal localization of three human genes coding for A15, L6, and S5.7(TAPA1): all members of the transmembrane 4 superfamily of proteins

The A15, L6, and S5.7(TAPA1) proteins are members of the transmembrane 4 superfamily (TM4SF). The A15 is expressed in immature human T cells and in the human brain. The MXS1(CCG-B7) gene which codes for A15 contains triplet nucleotide repeats which have been associated with neuropsychiatric diseases such as Huntington's chorea, fragile X syndrome, and myotonic dystrophy. The L6 antigen is mainly expressed in lung, breast, colon, ovarian carcinomas, and healthy epithelial tissue in humans. The S5.7(TAPA1) antigen is expressed in most human cell lines and is shown to be associated with B-cell surface molecules CD19 and Leu-13. In this study we have used interspecies specific somatic cell hybrids and human-specific cDNA probes to localize the A15 (MXS1), L6 (M3S1), and TAPA1 genes to Xq11, 3q21–25, and 11p15.5, respectively.     

Candidate Luminal B Breast Cancer Genes Identified by Genome,Gene Expression and DNA Methylation Profiling

Breast cancers (BCs) of the luminal B subtype are estrogen receptor-positive (ER+), highly proliferative, resistant to standard therapies and have a poor prognosis. To better understand this subtype we compared DNA copy number aberrations (CNAs), DNA promoter methylation, gene expression profiles, and somatic mutations in nine selected genes, in 32 luminal B tumors with those observed in 156 BCs of the other molecular subtypes. Frequent CNAs included 8p11-p12 and 11q13.1-q13.2 amplifications, 7q11.22-q34, 8q21.12-q24.23, 12p12.3-p13.1, 12q13.11-q24.11, 14q21.1-q23.1, 17q11.1-q25.1, 20q11.23-q13.33 gains and 6q14.1-q24.2, 9p21.3-p24,3, 9q21.2, 18p11.31-p11.32 losses. A total of 237 and 101 luminal B-specific candidate oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) presented a deregulated expression in relation with their CNAs, including 11 genes previously reported associated with endocrine resistance. Interestingly, 88% of the potential TSGs are located within chromosome arm 6q, and seven candidate oncogenes are potential therapeutic targets. A total of 100 candidate oncogenes were validated in a public series of 5,765 BCs and the overexpression of 67 of these was associated with poor survival in luminal tumors. Twenty-four genes presented a deregulated expression in relation with a high DNA methylation level. FOXO3, PIK3CA and TP53 were the most frequent mutated genes among the nine tested. In a meta-analysis of next-generation sequencing data in 875 BCs, KCNB2 mutations were associated with luminal B cases while candidate TSGs MDN1 (6q15) and UTRN (6q24), were mutated in this subtype. In conclusion, we have reported luminal B candidate genes that may play a role in the development and/or hormone resistance of this aggressive subtype.     

Array comparative genomic hybridization based identification of key genetic alterations at 2p21-p16.3 (MSH2, MSH6, EPCAM), 3p23-p14.2 (MLH1), 7p22.1 (PMS2) and 1p34.1-p33 (MUTYH) regions in hereditary non polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Lynch syndrome is inherited in an autosomal dominant mode. Lynch syndrome is caused by impairment of one or more of the various genes (most frequently MLH1 and MSH2) involved in mismatch repair. In this study, whole genome comparative genomic hybridization array (array CGH) based genomic analysis was performed on twelve Saudi Lynch syndrome patients. A total of 124 chromosomal alterations (structural loss) were identified at mean log2 ratio cut off value of ±0.25. We also found structural loss in 2p21-p16.3, 3p23-p14.2, 7p22.1 and 1p34.1-p33 regions. These findings were subsequently validated by real time quantitative PCR showing downregulation of MSH2, MSH6, EPCAM, MLH1, PMS2 and MUTYH genes. These findings shall help in establishing database for alterations in mismatch repair genes underlying Lynch syndrome in Saudi population as well as to determine the incidence ratio of these disorders. Guided counselling will subsequently lead to the prevention and eradication of Lynch Syndrome in the local population.