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A Mezzelani

Publications and source records attributed to A Mezzelani.

31 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Detection of TP53 mutation, loss of heterozygosity and DNA content in fine-needle aspirates of breast carcinoma.

Recent preclinical and clinical data suggest that TP53 status and TP53 mutations may be important in determining tumour aggressiveness and therapy response. In this study we investigate the feasibility of a structural and quantitative analysis of TP53 on fine-needle aspiration (FNA) material obtained from 31 consecutive female patients with breast carcinoma, enrolled in a primary chemotherapy protocol. Tumours were screened for p53 protein overexpression and TP53 mutations (exons 5-8) using immunocytochemistry, polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and DNA sequencing analyses, and finally using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis. Positive nuclear staining was identified in six cases whereas mutations were detected in nine. Although the immunoreactive pattern fitted fully with the characterized TP53 mutation type, the considerable number of null p53 mutations (i.e. four) coupled with the lack of information regarding the localization of TP53 mutations make immunocytochemistry an inadequate indicator of TP53 function deregulation. Combining molecular and FISH analyses, we detected three cases with TP53 deletion and one case with deletion and mutation. Finally, DNA static-image analysis performed on 29 cases showed aneuploidy in 26 cases, which included all TP53-mutated cases. The present results show that FNA may assist clinical decisions by allowing the evaluation of a variety of biological parameters relevant for prognosis and treatment planning.

Adult↗

Cosmid-derived markers anchoring the bovine genetic map to the physical map.

The mapping strategy for the bovine genome described in this paper uses large insert clones as a tool for physical mapping and as a source of highly polymorphic microsatellites for genetic typing, and was one objective of the BovMap Project funded by the European Union (UE). Eight-three cosmid and phage clones were characterized and used to physically anchor the linkage groups defining all the bovine autosomes and the X Chromosome (Chr). By combining physical and genetic mapping, clones described in this paper have led to the identification of the linkage groups corresponding to Chr 9, 12, 16, and 25. In addition, anchored loci from this study were used to orient the linkage groups corresponding to Chr 3, 7, 8, 9, 13, 16, 18, 19, and 28 as identified in previously published maps. Comparison of the estimated size of the physical and linkage maps suggests that the genetic length of the bovine genome may be around 4000 cM.

Animals↗

Rapid differential diagnosis of myxoid liposarcoma by fluorescence in situ hybridisation on cytological preparations.

In two cases of suspected myxoid liposarcoma, where chromosomal metaphase preparations were not available, fluorescence in situ hybridisation was performed on interphase nuclei of cytological preparations for the detection of the specific translocation, t(12;16), characteristic of this tumour and of trisomy 8, which is the most frequent secondary chromosome aberration. Probes directed against chromosomes 12 and 16 and against the centromeres of chromosomes 12 and 8 were hybridised on cell brushings and cytocentrifuge preparations. The finding of three painting domains of both chromosomes 12 and 16 and of only two signals with the centromeric probe directed against chromosome 12, suggested the presence of t(12;16) in both cases. In one case trisomy 8 was inferred from the occurrence of three centromere 8 signals. This approach can be used to detect specific chromosomal abnormalities when an urgent differential diagnosis is requested or when chromosome preparations are not available, or both.

Journal Article↗

T-banding pattern of bovine chromosomes and karyotype reconstitution with physically mapped cosmids.

Bovine T-banded chromosomes were identified by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using 27 cosmid probes as chromosome landmarks. Pairwise combinations of probes from chromosomes of markedly different size were cohybridized to metaphase spreads of T-banded chromosomes. This confirmed the association of banding patterns to individual chromosomes. The T-banding pattern appears to be related to R-bands: 80% of T-bands were in corresponding position to R-bands, but not always conserved in size. Band assignments placed 20 probes on similar bands in both patterns. The identification of T-banded chromosomes represents a first step toward the construction of a compositional map of the bovine genome and an additional tool for its study on a comparative basis.

Animals↗

Chromosomal localization and molecular characterization of 53 cosmid-derived bovine microsatellites.

Gene mapping in cattle has progressed rapidly in recent years largely owing to the introduction of powerful genetic markers, such as the microsatellites, and through advances in physical mapping techniques such as synteny mapping and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Microsatellite markers are often not physically mapped because they are generally isolated from small insert plasmid libraries, which makes their chromosomal localization inefficient. In this report we describe the FISH mapping of a large group of cosmid-derived bovine microsatellite markers, as our contribution to the European mapping initiative, BovMap. One objective of BovMap is to develop a set of anchored loci for the cattle genome map. Two cosmid libraries were screened with probes corresponding to the (AC)n microsatellite motif. Positive clones were mapped by FISH, and then a subset was further analyzed by sequencing the region flanking the microsatellite repeat. In total, 58 clones were hybridized with chromosomes and identified loci on 22 of the 31 different bovine chromosomes. Three clones contained satellite DNA. Two or more markers were placed on 12 chromosomes. Sequencing of the microsatellites and flanking regions was performed directly from 43 cosmids, as previously reported (Ferretti et al. Anim. Genet. 25, 209-214, 1994). Primers were developed for 39 markers and used to describe the polymorphism associated with the corresponding loci.

Animals↗

Combined Q-banding and fluorescence in situ hybridization for the identification of bovine chromosomes 1 to 7.

Eleven probes were assigned to bovine chromosomes 1 to 7 by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The identification of chromosomes was based on QFQ-banding prior to in situ hybridization and comparison with the Reading Conference (1976) and ISCNDA (1989) standards. The probes used for FISH can now be utilized as identification and discrimination features for bovine chromosomes 1 to 7 and particularly for chromosomes 4 and 6, which are difficult to distinguish. Comparison of our mapping data with previous assignments and of the standard chromosome banding patterns prompt us to propose a change in the ISCNDA nomenclature: ISCNDA chromosome 4 should be named chromosome 6 and vice versa. Chromosome 4 is marked by the ribosomal RNA cluster RNR3, and chromosome 6 is characterized by the casein gene cluster and an anonymous satellite (D6Z1).

Animals↗

Limited role of TP53 and TP53-related genes in myxoid liposarcoma.

AIMS: Circumstantial evidence suggests that genetic changes may lead to tumor progression within the myxoid liposarcoma tumors (MLTs) carrying non-random chromosomal translocation t(12;16). METHODS: To address this subject an immunophenotypic analysis, applying antibodies against proteins encoded by TP53, MDM2 and CDK4 genes, complemented by molecular analysis of eight suitable cases, was performed on 104 consecutive cases. Chromosomal translocations were assessed either by cytogenetic analysis or by RT-PCR in 9 suitable cases and chimeric transcripts were found in all cases but two pleomorphic liposarcomas. RESULTS: Based on immunophenotyping and tumor site, the case material consisted of three groups. The first one was made up of 92 non-retroperitoneal cases carrying a null p53, mdm2, cdk4 immunophenotype, which remained unchanged over the time of recurrences and along the gamut of histologic subtypes. The second group was represented by five p53+, mdm2-, cdk4- non-retroperitoneal cases, 4 of which were further analysed by PCR-SSCP for p53 mutation. The immunophenotypic profile of these cases, complemented by the molecular findings, supported a role of TP53 in tumor progression in three high-grade MLTs. The third group, consisting of 7 retroperitoneal cases, showed a heterogeneous immunophenotype, sharing immunophenotypic and molecular features with the well-differentiated/evoluted (dedifferentiated) liposarcoma group. CONCLUSIONS: TP53 mutations seem to play a role in tumor progression in a few cases of MLTs (2.8%) showing more aggressive histologic characteristics. The unexpected finding that a number of retroperitoneal LMTs display the immunophenotypic profile of the well differentiated/evoluted (dedifferentiated) liposarcomas, deserves further investigation.

DNA Mutational Analysis↗