Rapid parallel mutation scanning of gene fragments using a microelectronic protein-DNA chip format

We have developed a method for the de novo discovery of genetic variations, including single nucleotide polymorphisms and mutations, on microelectronic chip devices. The method combines the features of electronically controlled DNA hybridisation on open-format microarrays, with mutation detection by a fluorescence-labelled mismatch- binding protein. Electronic addressing of DNA strands to distinct test sites of the chip allows parallel analysis of several individuals, as demonstrated for mutations in different exons of the p53 gene. This microelectronic chip-based mutation discovery assay may substitute for time-consuming sequencing studies and will complement existing technologies in genomic research.     

Mutation Scanning Using MUT-MAP,a High-Throughput,Microfluidic Chip-Based,Multi-Analyte Panel

Targeted anticancer therapies rely on the identification of patient subgroups most likely to respond to treatment. Predictive biomarkers play a key role in patient selection, while diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers expand our understanding of tumor biology, suggest treatment combinations, and facilitate discovery of novel drug targets. We have developed a high-throughput microfluidics method for mutation detection (MUT-MAP, mutation multi-analyte panel) based on TaqMan or allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR) assays. We analyzed a set of 71 mutations across six genes of therapeutic interest. The six-gene mutation panel was designed to detect the most common mutations in the EGFR, KRAS, PIK3CA, NRAS, BRAF, and AKT1 oncogenes. The DNA was preamplified using custom-designed primer sets before the TaqMan/AS-PCR assays were carried out using the Biomark microfluidics system (Fluidigm; South San Francisco, CA). A cross-reactivity analysis enabled the generation of a robust automated mutation-calling algorithm which was then validated in a series of 51 cell lines and 33 FFPE clinical samples. All detected mutations were confirmed by other means. Sample input titrations confirmed the assay sensitivity with as little as 2 ng gDNA, and demonstrated excellent inter- and intra-chip reproducibility. Parallel analysis of 92 clinical trial samples was carried out using 2–100 ng genomic DNA (gDNA), allowing the simultaneous detection of multiple mutations. DNA prepared from both fresh frozen and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples were used, and the analysis was routinely completed in 2–3 days: traditional assays require 0.5–1 µg high-quality DNA, and take significantly longer to analyze. This assay can detect a wide range of mutations in therapeutically relevant genes from very small amounts of sample DNA. As such, the mutation assay developed is a valuable tool for high-throughput biomarker discovery and validation in personalized medicine and cancer drug development.     

Development of a High-Throughput Resequencing Array for the Detection of Pathogenic Mutations in Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Objective

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare inherited skeletal disease, characterized by bone fragility and low bone density. The mutations in this disorder have been widely reported to be on various exonal hotspots of the candidate genes, including COL1A1, COL1A2, CRTAP, LEPRE1, and FKBP10, thus creating a great demand for precise genetic tests. However, large genome sizes make the process daunting and the analyses, inefficient and expensive. Therefore, we aimed at developing a fast, accurate, efficient, and cheaper sequencing platform for OI diagnosis; and to this end, use of an advanced array-based technique was proposed.

Method

A CustomSeq Affymetrix Resequencing Array was established for high-throughput sequencing of five genes simultaneously. Genomic DNA extraction from 13 OI patients and 85 normal controls and amplification using long-range PCR (LR-PCR) were followed by DNA fragmentation and chip hybridization, according to standard Affymetrix protocols. Hybridization signals were determined using GeneChip Sequence Analysis Software (GSEQ). To examine the feasibility, the outcome from new resequencing approach was validated by conventional capillary sequencing method.

Result

Overall call rates using resequencing array was 96–98% and the agreement between microarray and capillary sequencing was 99.99%. 11 out of 13 OI patients with pathogenic mutations were successfully detected by the chip analysis without adjustment, and one mutation could also be identified using manual visual inspection.

Conclusion

A high-throughput resequencing array was developed that detects the disease-associated mutations in OI, providing a potential tool to facilitate large-scale genetic screening for OI patients. Through this method, a novel mutation was also found.     

Quantitative and Sensitive Detection of GNAS Mutations Causing McCune-Albright Syndrome with Next Generation Sequencing

Somatic activating GNAS mutations cause McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS). Owing to low mutation abundance, mutant-specific enrichment procedures, such as the peptide nucleic acid (PNA) method, are required to detect mutations in peripheral blood. Next generation sequencing (NGS) can analyze millions of PCR amplicons independently, thus it is expected to detect low-abundance GNAS mutations quantitatively. In the present study, we aimed to develop an NGS-based method to detect low-abundance somatic GNAS mutations. PCR amplicons encompassing exons 8 and 9 of GNAS, in which most activating mutations occur, were sequenced on the MiSeq instrument. As expected, our NGS-based method could sequence the GNAS locus with very high read depth (approximately 100,000) and low error rate. A serial dilution study with use of cloned mutant and wildtype DNA samples showed a linear correlation between dilution and measured mutation abundance, indicating the reliability of quantification of the mutation. Using the serially diluted samples, the detection limits of three mutation detection methods (the PNA method, NGS, and combinatory use of PNA and NGS [PNA-NGS]) were determined. The lowest detectable mutation abundance was 1% for the PNA method, 0.03% for NGS and 0.01% for PNA-NGS. Finally, we analyzed 16 MAS patient-derived leukocytic DNA samples with the three methods, and compared the mutation detection rate of them. Mutation detection rate of the PNA method, NGS and PNA-NGS in 16 patient-derived peripheral blood samples were 56%, 63% and 75%, respectively. In conclusion, NGS can detect somatic activating GNAS mutations quantitatively and sensitively from peripheral blood samples. At present, the PNA-NGS method is likely the most sensitive method to detect low-abundance GNAS mutation.     

Integrated RNA and DNA sequencing improves mutation detection in low purity tumors

Identifying somatic mutations is critical for cancer genome characterization and for prioritizing patient treatment. DNA whole exome sequencing (DNA-WES) is currently the most popular technology; however, this yields low sensitivity in low purity tumors. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) covers the expressed exome with depth proportional to expression. We hypothesized that integrating DNA-WES and RNA-seq would enable superior mutation detection versus DNA-WES alone. We developed a first-of-its-kind method, called UNCeqR, that detects somatic mutations by integrating patient-matched RNA-seq and DNA-WES. In simulation, the integrated DNA and RNA model outperformed the DNA-WES only model. Validation by patient-matched whole genome sequencing demonstrated superior performance of the integrated model over DNA-WES only models, including a published method and published mutation profiles. Genome-wide mutational analysis of breast and lung cancer cohorts (n = 871) revealed remarkable tumor genomics properties. Low purity tumors experienced the largest gains in mutation detection by integrating RNA-seq and DNA-WES. RNA provided greater mutation signal than DNA in expressed mutations. Compared to earlier studies on this cohort, UNCeqR increased mutation rates of driver and therapeutically targeted genes (e.g. PIK3CA, ERBB2 and FGFR2). In summary, integrating RNA-seq with DNA-WES increases mutation detection performance, especially for low purity tumors.     

Arrayed primer extension: solid-phase four-color DNA resequencing and mutation detection technology

The technology and application of arrayed primer extension (APEX) is presented. We describe an integrated system with DNA chip and template preparation, multiplex primer extension on the array, fluorescence imaging, and data analysis. The method is based upon an array of oligonucleotides, immobilized via the 5' end on a glass surface. A patient DNA is amplified by PCR, digested enzymatically, and annealed to the immobilized primers, which promote sites for template-dependent DNA polymerase extension reactions using four unique fluorescently labeled dideoxy nucleotides. A mutation is detected by a change in the color code of the primer sites. The technology was applied to the analysis of 10 common beta-thalassemia mutations. Nine patient DNA samples, each of which carries a different mutation, and four wild-type DNA samples were correctly identified. The signal-to-noise ratio of this technology is, on the average, 40:1, which enables the identification of heterozygous mutations with a high confidence level. The APEX method can be applied to any DNA target for efficient analysis of mutations and polymorphisms.     

基因芯片技术及其在植物上的应用

基因芯片技术（gene chip technology)是采用光导原位合成或缩微印刷等方法,将大量特定的DNA探针片段有序地固定于固相载体的表面,形成DNA微阵列,然后与待测的标记样品靶DNA或RNA分子杂交,对杂交信号进行扫描及计算机检测分析,从而获取所需的生物信息。该技术在植物研究中广泛应用于寻找特异性相关基因和新基因,基因表达分析,基因突变和多态性检测,DNA测序等。     

A novel method of identifying genetic mutations using an electrochemical DNA array

We describe the development of a new type of DNA array chip that utilizes electrochemical reactions and a novel method of simultaneously identifying multiple genetic mutations on an array chip. The electrochemical array (ECA) uses a threading intercalator specific to double-stranded nucleotides, ferrocenylnaphthalene diimide (FND), as the indicator. ECA does not require target labeling, and the equipment is simple, durable and less expensive. The simultaneous multiple mutation detection (SMMD) system using an ECA chip and FND utilizes an enzyme to simultaneously distinguish several genetic mutations such as single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), insertion, deletion, translocation and short tandem repeat. We examined this SMMD system using an ECA chip, by detecting seven different mutations on the lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene for 50 patients in a blind test. It turned out that all the results obtained were concordant with the sequencing results, demonstrating that this system is a powerful tool for clinical applications.     

APEX disease gene resequencing: mutations in exon 7 of the p53 tumor suppressor gene.

Detection of mutations in disease genes will be a significant application of genomic research. Methods for detecting mutations at the single nucleotide level are required in highly mutated genes such as the tumor suppressor p53. Resequencing of an individual patient's DNA by conventional Sanger methods is impractical, calling for novel methods for sequence analysis. Toward this end, an arrayed primer extension (APEX) method for identifying sequence alterations in primary DNA structure was developed. A two-dimensional array of immobilized primers (DNA chip) was fabricated to scan p53 exon 7 by single bases. Primers were immobilized with 200 microm spacing on a glass support. Oligonucleotide templates of length 72 were used to study individual APEX resequencing reactions. A template-dependent DNA polymerase extension was performed on the chip using fluorescein-labeled dideoxynucleotides (ddNTPs). Labeled primers were evanescently excited and the induced fluorescence was imaged by CCD. The average signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) observed was 30:1. Software was developed to analyze high-density DNA chips for sequence alterations. Deletion, insertion, and substitution mutations were detected. APEX can be used to scan for any mutation (up to two-base insertions) in a known region of DNA by fabricating a DNA chip comprising complementary primers addressing each nucleotide in the wild-type sequence. Since APEX is a parallel method for determining DNA sequence, the time required to assay a region is independent of its length. APEX has a high level of accuracy, is sequence-based, and can be miniaturized to analyze a large DNA region with minimal reagents.     

Single-cell paired-end genome sequencing reveals structural variation per cell cycle

The nature and pace of genome mutation is largely unknown. Because standard methods sequence DNA from populations of cells, the genetic composition of individual cells is lost, de novo mutations in cells are concealed within the bulk signal and per cell cycle mutation rates and mechanisms remain elusive. Although single-cell genome analyses could resolve these problems, such analyses are error-prone because of whole-genome amplification (WGA) artefacts and are limited in the types of DNA mutation that can be discerned. We developed methods for paired-end sequence analysis of single-cell WGA products that enable (i) detecting multiple classes of DNA mutation, (ii) distinguishing DNA copy number changes from allelic WGA-amplification artefacts by the discovery of matching aberrantly mapping read pairs among the surfeit of paired-end WGA and mapping artefacts and (iii) delineating the break points and architecture of structural variants. By applying the methods, we capture DNA copy number changes acquired over one cell cycle in breast cancer cells and in blastomeres derived from a human zygote after in vitro fertilization. Furthermore, we were able to discover and fine-map a heritable inter-chromosomal rearrangement t(1;16)(p36;p12) by sequencing a single blastomere. The methods will expedite applications in basic genome research and provide a stepping stone to novel approaches for clinical genetic diagnosis.     

Real-Time Bidirectional Pyrophosphorolysis-Activated Polymerization for Quantitative Detection of Somatic Mutations

Detection of somatic mutations for targeted therapy is increasingly used in clinical settings. However, due to the difficulties of detecting rare mutations in excess of wild-type DNA, current methods often lack high sensitivity, require multiple procedural steps, or fail to be quantitative. We developed real-time bidirectional pyrophosphorolysis-activated polymerization (real-time Bi-PAP) that allows quantitative detection of somatic mutations. We applied the method to quantify seven mutations at codons 12 and 13 in KRAS, and 2 mutations (L858R, and T790M) in EGFR in clinical samples. The real-time Bi-PAP could detect 0.01% mutation in the presence of 100 ng template DNA. Of the 34 samples from the colon cancer patients, real-time Bi-PAP detected 14 KRAS mutant samples whereas the traditional real-time allele-specific PCR missed two samples with mutation abundance <1% and DNA sequencing missed nine samples with mutation abundance <10%. The detection results of the two EGFR mutations in 45 non-small cell lung cancer samples further supported the applicability of the real-time Bi-PAP. The real-time Bi-PAP also proved to be more efficient than the real-time allele-specific PCR in the detection of templates prepared from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples. Thus, real-time Bi-PAP can be used for rapid and accurate quantification of somatic mutations. This flexible approach could be widely used for somatic mutation detection in clinical settings.     

Mutation adjacent to the active site tyrosine can enhance DNA cleavage and cell killing by the TOPRIM Gly to Ser mutant of bacterial topoisomerase I

The TOPRIM DXDXXG residues of type IA and II topoisomerases are involved in Mg(II) binding and the cleavage-rejoining of DNA. Mutation of the strictly conserved glycine to serine in Yersinia pestis and Escherichia coli topoisomerase I results in bacterial cell killing due to inhibition of DNA religation after DNA cleavage. In this study, all other substitutions at the TOPRIM glycine of Y. pestis topoisomerase I were examined. While the Gly to Ala substitution allowed both DNA cleavage and religation, other mutations abolished DNA cleavage. DNA cleavage activity retained by the Gly to Ser mutant could be significantly enhanced by a second mutation of the methionine residue adjacent to the active site tyrosine. Induction of mutant topoisomerase with both the TOPRIM glycine and active site region methionine mutations resulted in up to 40-fold higher cell killing rate when compared with the single TOPRIM Gly to Ser mutant. Bacterial type IA topoisomerases are potential targets for discovery of novel antibiotics. These results suggest that compounds that interact simultaneously with the TOPRIM motif and the molecular surface around the active site tyrosine could be highly efficient topoisomerase poisons through both enhancement of DNA cleavage and inhibition of DNA rejoining.     

s-RT-MELT for rapid mutation scanning using enzymatic selection and real time DNA-melting: new potential for multiplex genetic analysis

The rapidly growing understanding of human genetic pathways, including those that mediate cancer biology and drug response, leads to an increasing need for extensive and reliable mutation screening on a population or on a single patient basis. Here we describe s-RT-MELT, a novel technology that enables highly expanded enzymatic mutation scanning in human samples for germline or low-level somatic mutations, or for SNP discovery. GC-clamp-containing PCR products from interrogated and wild-type samples are hybridized to generate mismatches at the positions of mutations over one or multiple sequences in-parallel. Mismatches are converted to double-strand breaks using a DNA endonuclease (Surveyor™) and oligonucleotide tails are enzymatically attached at the position of mutations. A novel application of PCR enables selective amplification of mutation-containing DNA fragments. Subsequently, melting curve analysis, on conventional or nano-technology real-time PCR platforms, detects the samples that contain mutations in a high-throughput and closed-tube manner. We apply s-RT-MELT in the screening of p53 and EGFR mutations in cell lines and clinical samples and demonstrate its advantages for rapid, multiplexed mutation scanning in cancer and for genetic variation screening in biology and medicine.     

DNA chips: the future of biomarkers

DNA chips are small, solid supports such as microscope slides onto which thousands of cDNAs or oligonucleotides are arrayed, representing known genes or simply EST clones, or covering the entire sequence of a gene with all its possible mutations. Fluorescently labeled DNA or RNA extracted from tissues is hybridized to the array. Laser scanning of the chip permits quantitative evaluation of each individual complementary sequence present in the sample. DNA chip technology is currently being proposed for qualitative and quantitative applications, firstly for the detection of point mutations, small deletions and insertions in genes involved in human diseases or affected during cancer progression; secondly, to determine on a genome-wide basis the pattern of gene expression in tumors, as well as in a number of experimental situations. The extraordinary power of DNA chips will have a strong impact on medicine in the near future, both in the molecular characterization of tumors and genetic diseases and in drug discovery and evaluation. Quantitative applications will soon spread through all fields of biology.     

In silico discrimination of nsSNPs in hTERT gene by means of local DNA sequence context and regularity

Understanding and predicting the significance of novel genetic variants revealed by DNA sequencing is a major challenge to integrate and interpret in medical genetics with medical practice. Recent studies have afforded significant advances in characterization and predicting the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in human TERT with various disorders, but the results remain inconclusive. In this context, a comparative study between disease causing and novel mutations in hTERT gene was performed computationally. Out of 59 missense mutations, five variants were predicted to be less stable with the most deleterious effect on hTERT gene by in silico tools, in which two mutations (L584W and M970T) were not previously reported to be involved in any of the human disorders. To get insight into the structural and functional impact due to the mutation, docking study and interaction analysis was performed followed by 6 ns molecular dynamics simulation. These results may provide new perspectives for the targeted drug discovery in the coming future.     

Mutational spectrum analysis of RNase H(35) deficient Saccharomyces cerevisiae using fluorescence-based directed termination PCR

Mutational spectrum analysis has become an informative genetic tool to understand those protein functions involved in mutation avoidance pathways since specific types of mutations are often associated with particular protein defects involved in DNA replication and repair. In this study, we describe a novel, fluorescence-based procedure for direct determination of deletions and insertions with 100% accuracy. We performed two complementary directed termination PCR with near infrared dye-labeled primers, followed by visualization of termination fragments using an automated Li-cor DNA sequencer. This method is used for rapid analysis of mutational spectra generated in nuclease-defective strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to elucidate the role of RNase H(35) in RNA primer removal during DNA replication and in mutation avoidance. Strains deficient in RNH35 displayed a distinct spontaneous mutation spectrum of deletions characterized by a unique 4 bp deletion in a lys2-Bgl allele. This was in sharp contrast to strains deficient in rad27 that displayed duplication mutations. Further analysis of mutations in a rnh35/rad27 double mutant revealed a mixed spectrum. These results indicate that RNase H(35) may participate in a redundant pathway in Okazaki fragment processing and that mutational spectra caused by protein deficiencies may be more intermediate-specific than pathway-specific.     

Evolution of the long range structure of satellite DNAs in the genus Apodemus.

The temperate bacteriophage Mu causes mutations by inserting its DNA randomly into the genes of its host bacterium Escherichia coli. It is shown here that Mu DNA can be precisely excised from the different integration sites and that as a result wild-type function of the gene into which Mu was inserted is restored. The excision of Mu DNA is observable only if the Mu prophage carries mutations at the X locus. Thus, lac⁺ revertants from six strains, containing heat-inducible prophage Mu cts62 at different locations in the Z gene of the lac operon, were readily obtained by first introducing the X mutation into Mu cts62. The lac⁺ revertants produced wild-type β-galactosidase, and no trace of Mu DNA could be detected in them; this indicates that the junction of Mu DNA and host DNA can be specifically recognized. However, the excision of Mu DNA is generally not perfect, because in most cases it does not lead to the wild-type genotype. The function of gene A of Mu appears to be required for excision. Since the lethal functions of Mu are completely blocked in the Mu cts62 X prophage, the X locus probably has a regulatory function. At least one X mutation is caused by an insertion of about 900 base-pairs in Mu DNA. The discovery of the X mutants opens the way for studying the reversible interaction of the host and Mu chromosomes, and for using Mu to manipulate the host genome in various ways.     

Molecular genetics of ovarian cancer

This is a review of the approaches that can be used to analyze genetic changes in ovarian cancer. Traditional gene localization methods are discussed, followed by a section on gene identification techniques. Once a putative disease-associated gene has been cloned, mutations have to be identified and analyzed. There are numerous mutation detection methods, and the most common ones are outlined. In the penultimate section, the role of immunohistochemistry as a surrogate method for mutation analysis is considered. Finally, the possible use of functional assays is discussed. At present, it would appear that DNA chip technology for the detection of mutations, and microarray analysis of gene expression, are two important techniques likely to have a significant impact on the genetic analysis of ovarian cancer.