Ronald J. deLeeuw

A tiling resolution DNA microarray with complete coverage of the human genome.

We constructed a tiling resolution array consisting of 32,433 overlapping BAC clones covering the entire human genome. This increases our ability to identify genetic alterations and their boundaries throughout the genome in a single comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) experiment. At this tiling resolution, we identified minute DNA alterations not previously reported. These alterations include microamplifications and deletions containing oncogenes, tumor-suppressor genes and new genes that may be associated with multiple tumor types. Our findings show the need to move beyond conventional marker-based genome comparison approaches, that rely on inference of continuity between interval markers. Our submegabase resolution tiling set for array CGH (SMRT array) allows comprehensive assessment of genomic integrity and thereby the identification of new genes associated with disease.

A comprehensive analysis of common copy-number variations in the human genome

Segmental copy-number variations (CNVs) in the human genome are associated with developmental disorders and susceptibility to diseases. More importantly, CNVs may represent a major genetic component of our phenotypic diversity. In this study, using a whole-genome array comparative genomic hybridization assay, we identified 3,654 autosomal segmental CNVs, 800 of which appeared at a frequency of at least 3%. Of these frequent CNVs, 77% are novel. In the 95 individuals analyzed, the two most diverse genomes differed by at least 9 Mb in size or varied by at least 266 loci in content. Approximately 68% of the 800 polymorphic regions overlap with genes, which may reflect human diversity in senses (smell, hearing, taste, and sight), rhesus phenotype, metabolism, and disease susceptibility. Intriguingly, 14 polymorphic regions harbor 21 of the known human microRNAs, raising the possibility of the contribution of microRNAs to phenotypic diversity in humans. This in-depth survey of CNVs across the human genome provides a valuable baseline for studies involving human genetics.

SeeGH – A software tool for visualization of whole genome array comparative genomic hybridization data

BackgroundArray comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) is a technique which detects copy number differences in DNA segments. Complete sequencing of the human genome and the development of an array representing a tiling set of tens of thousands of DNA segments spanning the entire human genome has made high resolution copy number analysis throughout the genome possible. Since array CGH provides signal ratio for each DNA segment, visualization would require the reassembly of individual data points into chromosome profiles.ResultsWe have developed a visualization tool for displaying whole genome array CGH data in the context of chromosomal location. SeeGH is an application that translates spot signal ratio data from array CGH experiments to displays of high resolution chromosome profiles. Data is imported from a simple tab delimited text file obtained from standard microarray image analysis software. SeeGH processes the signal ratio data and graphically displays it in a conventional CGH karyotype diagram with the added features of magnification and DNA segment annotation. In this process, SeeGH imports the data into a database, calculates the average ratio and standard deviation for each replicate spot, and links them to chromosome regions for graphical display. Once the data is displayed, users have the option of hiding or flagging DNA segments based on user defined criteria, and retrieve annotation information such as clone name, NCBI sequence accession number, ratio, base pair position on the chromosome, and standard deviation.ConclusionsSeeGH represents a novel software tool used to view and analyze array CGH data. The software gives users the ability to view the data in an overall genomic view as well as magnify specific chromosomal regions facilitating the precise localization of genetic alterations. SeeGH is easily installed and runs on Microsoft Windows 2000 or later environments.

CD20 mutations involving the rituximab epitope are rare in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas and are not a significant cause of R-CHOP failure

The findings of this study indicate that CD20 mutations nvolving the rituximab epitope are rare in both de novo and relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and do not represent a significant cause of R-CHOP resistance. Rituximab binds an epitope on the CD20 antigen, encompassed in exon 5 of the MS4A1 gene. We sequenced this region and correlated the presence of mutations with CD20 protein expression and response to R-CHOP in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: 264 diagnostic biopsies and 15 biopsies taken at the time of relapse were successfully sequenced. CD20 mutations involving the rituximab epitope were detected in only 1/264 (0.4%) and 1/15 (6%) of the biopsies taken at diagnosis and relapse, respectively. No polymorphic sequence variants were detected in this region. Three patients had malignant cells that were CD20 protein-positive at diagnosis but CD20-negative at relapse. Thus, CD20 mutations involving the rituximab epitope are rare in both de novo and relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and do not represent a significant cause of R-CHOP resistance. CD20 protein-negative relapses occur after R-CHOP therapy but their clinical relevance is unknown.

Microarray-based CGH of sporadic and syndrome-related pheochromocytomas using a 0.1-0.2 Mb bacterial artificial chromosome array spanning chromosome arm 1p.

Pheochromocytomas (PCC) are relatively rare neuroendocrine tumors, mainly of the adrenal medulla. They arise sporadically or occur secondary to inherited cancer syndromes, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type II (MEN2), von Hippel‐Lindau disease (VHL), or neurofibromatosis type I (NF1). Loss of 1p is the most frequently encountered genetic alteration, especially in MEN2‐related and sporadic PCC. Previous studies have revealed three regions of common somatic loss on chromosome arm 1p, using chromosome‐based comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and LOH analysis. To investigate these chromosomal aberrations with a higher resolution and sensitivity, we performed microarray‐based CGH with 13 sporadic and 11 syndrome‐related (10 MEN2A‐related and 1 NF1‐related) tumors. The array consisted of 642 overlapping bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones mapped to 1p11.2‐p36.33. Chromosomal deletions on 1p were detected in 18 of 24 cases (75%). Among 9 tumors with partial 1p loss, the deleted region was restricted to 1cen‐1p32.3 in six cases (25%), indicating a region of genetic instability. The consensus regions of deletion in this study involved 1cen‐1p21.1, 1p21.3‐1p31.3, and 1p34.3‐1p36.33. In conclusion, these data strongly suggest that chromosome arm 1p is the site for multiple tumor suppressor genes, although the potential candidate genes CDKN2C and PTPRF/LAR are not included in these regions.

Frequent occurrence of deletions in primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma

Primary mediastinal B‐cell lymphoma (PMBCL) is a distinct subtype of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. PMBCL has been previously studied with a variety of genomic techniques resulting in frequent detection of chromosomal gains; however, chromosomal losses have been rarely reported. This finding contrasts many other types of lymphoma, in which deletions are common. We hypothesize that segmental losses do exist but may have escaped detection by methods used in the previous studies. Using array comparative genomic hybridization to a tiling‐resolution microarray encompassing the entire human genome, PMBCL samples were analyzed for genomic copy number alterations. An almost equal number of gains and losses of chromosomal material were detected throughout the genome (216 vs. 193, respectively). A selection of these DNA copy number alterations were confirmed by quantitative real‐time PCR. Recurrent gains were detected at all previously reported regions of gain, including 9p seen in ∼70% of cases. Recurrent chromosomal losses were observed at 1p, 3p, 4q, 6q, 7p, and 17p, with a novel event at 1p13.1–p13.2 representing the most frequent at 42% of cases analyzed. We conclude that consistent losses are present in the PMBCL genome. Given the similar frequency of losses to that of segmental gains of DNA, they are likely to play an important role in the pathogenesis of PMBCL.

MD-SeeGH: a platform for integrative analysis of multi-dimensional genomic data.

BackgroundRecent advances in global genomic profiling methodologies have enabled multi-dimensional characterization of biological systems. Complete analysis of these genomic profiles require an in depth look at parallel profiles of segmental DNA copy number status, DNA methylation state, single nucleotide polymorphisms, as well as gene expression profiles. Due to the differences in data types it is difficult to conduct parallel analysis of multiple datasets from diverse platforms.ResultsTo address this issue, we have developed an integrative genomic analysis platform MD-SeeGH, a software tool that allows users to rapidly and directly analyze genomic datasets spanning multiple genomic experiments. With MD-SeeGH, users have the flexibility to easily update datasets in accordance with new genomic builds, make a quality assessment of data using the filtering features, and identify genetic alterations within single or across multiple experiments. Multiple sample analysis in MD-SeeGH allows users to compare profiles from many experiments alongside tracks containing detailed localized gene information, microRNA, CpG islands, and copy number variations.ConclusionMD-SeeGH is a new platform for the integrative analysis of diverse microarray data, facilitating multiple profile analyses and group comparisons.

Array-comparative genomic hybridization in sporadic benign pheochromocytomas

Pheochromocytomas (PCC) are catecholamine-producing tumors arising from the adrenal medulla that occur either sporadically or in the context of hereditary cancer syndromes, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2), von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL), neurofibromatosis type 1, and the PCC-paraganglioma syndrome. Conventional comparative genomic hybridization studies have shown loss of 1p and 3q in the majority of sporadic and MEN2-related PCC, and 3p and 11p loss in VHL-related PCC. The development of a submegabase tiling resolution array enabled us to perform a genome-wide high-resolution analysis of 36 sporadic benign PCC. The results show that there are two distinct patterns of abnormalities in these sporadic PCC, one consisting of loss of 1p with or without concomitant 3q loss in 20/36 cases (56%), the other characterized by loss of 3p with or without concomitant 11p loss in 11/36 (31%). In addition, we found loss of chromosome 22q at high frequency (35%), as well as the novel finding of high frequency chromosome 21q loss (21%). We conclude that there appear to be two subgroups of benign sporadic PCC, one of which has a pattern of chromosomal abnormalities that is comparable with PCC from patients with MEN2 and the other that is comparable with the PCC that arise in patients with VHL disease. In addition, genes on 21q and 22q might play a more important role in PCC pathogenesis than had been assumed thus far.

Reply to Lynch et al.

To the Editor: The letter by Lynch et al.1(in this issue) described the application of more-robust statistical modeling for the determination of false-negative and false-positive rates in our copy-number variation (CNV) study. Their conclusion is that the inclusion of dependence in the model increases the false-negative rate while leaving the false-positive rate unaltered.

Reply to Dr. Robert A. Hegele

To the Editor: Dr. Hegele called attention to the disparities between the observed frequencies of copy-number variations (CNVs) and the reported frequencies of some OMIM diseases.1(in this issue) We share Dr. Hegele’s concern and emphasize the importance of interpreting CNV data with caution, with respect to correlations with genes or phenotypes.