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O Myklebost

Publications and source records attributed to O Myklebost.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[Molecular biology diagnosis of sarcoma].

Sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of malignant tumours, primarily in connective and supportive tissues, that can be difficult to distinguish from other tumour types. Recent knowledge of gene rearrangements resulting from specific translocations in several groups of sarcomas now enables the molecular diagnosis of these subtypes. Increasing knowledge of molecular defects that may be of importance to therapy response and prognosis may in the future become important tools in the clinic, although these tumours are relatively rare, making it difficult to investigate large numbers of comparable groups of patients.

DNA Damage↗

Molecular characterization of a novel amplicon at 1q21-q22 frequently observed in human sarcomas.

In a recent comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) study of a panel of sarcomas, we detected recurrent amplification of 1q21-q22 in soft tissue and bone tumours. Amplification of this region had not previously been associated with sarcoma development, but occasional amplification of CACY/S100A6 and MUC1 in 1q21 had been reported for melanoma and breast carcinoma respectively. Initial screening by Southern blot analysis showed amplification of S100A6, FLG and SPRR3 in several sarcomas and, in a first attempt to characterize the 1q21-q22 amplicon in more detail, we have now investigated the amplification status of these and 11 other markers in the region in 35 sarcoma samples. FLG was the most frequently amplified gene, and the markers located in the same 4.5-Mb region as FLG showed a higher incidence of amplification than the more distal ones. However, for most of the 14 markers, amplification levels were low, and only APOA2 and the anonymous marker D1S3620 showed high-level amplifications (> tenfold increases) in one sample each. We used fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to determine the amplification patterns of two overlapping yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) covering the region between D1S3620 and FLG (789f2 and 764a1), as well as two more distally located YACs in nine selected samples. Six samples had amplification of the YAC containing D1S3620 and, in three, 764a1 was also included. Five of these tumours showed normal copies of the more distal YACs; thus, it seems likely that an important gene may be located within 789f2, or very close. Two samples had high copy numbers of the most distal YACs. Taken together, FISH and molecular analyses indicate complex amplification patterns in 1q21-q22 with at least two amplicons: one located near D1S3620/789f2 and one more distal.

Biomarkers↗

HMGIC, the gene for an architectural transcription factor, is amplified and rearranged in a subset of human sarcomas.

Amplified segments of the long arm of chromosome 12 are frequently observed in human sarcomas. In most cases there are separate amplified regions around the MDM2 and CDK4 genes. Here we show recurrent amplification of a third region encompassing HMGIC, a human architectural transcription factor gene. Reduced amplification frequency of sequences flanking the gene was observed, indicating that inclusion of this third region in the amplicons is also selected for. In three samples only the 5' part of HMGIC was amplified, suggesting preferential loss of the 3' part of the gene preceding or during amplification. In several other samples rearrangement of the gene was observed. Expression analysis showed transcripts of aberrant sizes, lacking 3' sequences, and 3' RACE of one sample revealed replacement of exons 4 and 5 with ectopic sequences. This truncation of HMGIC resembles that reported for translocations of HMGIC in benign tumors, including lipomas, and it is striking that the gene was frequently amplified or rearranged in well differentiated liposarcomas, the malignant counterpart of lipomas. It seems conceivable that high levels of either full length or truncated hmgic could be relevant for the etiology of these tumors.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Complexity of 12q13-22 amplicon in liposarcoma: microsatellite repeat analysis.

The 12q13-22 amplicon from four liposacroma specimens evaluated by comparative genomic hybridization was studied analyzing 55 microsatellite markers by PCR. All four specimens were informative in at least 34 loci; an amplification or allelic imbalance was identified with four to 17 markers. The amplicons were discontinuous; there were non-amplified marker loci between the amplified marker loci. These findings indicate the presence of separate amplicons in the 12q13-22 region. Evidence of the concomitant gain of one allele and loss of the other allele was found with several markers in one tumor and with one marker in two tumor specimens. Southern blotting showed amplification of CDK4 and MDM2 in all four specimens.

Alleles↗

Recurrent gains of 1q, 8 and 12 in the Ewing family of tumours by comparative genomic hybridization.

Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) was used to detect copy number changes of DNA sequences in the Ewing family of tumours (ET). We analysed 20 samples from 17 patients. Fifteen tumours (75%) showed copy number changes. Gains of DNA sequences were much more frequent than losses, the majority of the gains affecting whole chromosomes or whole chromosome arms. Recurrent findings included copy number increases for chromosomes 8 (seven out of 20 samples; 35%), 1q (five samples; 25%) and 12 (five samples; 25%). The minimal common regions of these gains were the whole chromosomes 8 and 12, and 1q21-22. High-level amplifications affected 8q13-24, 1q and 1q21-22, each once. Southern blot analysis of the specimen with high-level amplification at 1q21-22 showed an amplification of FLG and SPRR3, both mapped to this region. All cases with a gain of chromosome 12 simultaneously showed a gain of chromosome 8. Comparison of CGH findings with cytogenetic analysis of the same tumours and previous cytogenetic reports of ET showed, in general, concordant results. In conclusion, our findings confirm that secondary changes, which may have prognostic significance in ET, are trisomy 8, trisomy 12 and a gain of DNA sequences in 1q.

Adolescent↗

Reversal of the in vivo metastatic phenotype of human tumor cells by an anti-CAPL (mts1) ribozyme.

The putative role of the CAPL gene in enhancing the development of human cancer metastasis was examined by transfecting human high-expressing osteosarcoma cells with a hammerhead ribozyme directed against the gene transcript. The ability of the ribozyme to cleave target mRNA in intact cells was demonstrated in a 5'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends assay. In transfected cells, a suppression of the capacity to give skeletal metastases upon intracardial injection into nude rats was observed in cell clones with reduced expression of CAPL mRNA and protein, whereas in vitro and in vivo cell proliferation and tumorigenicity were unchanged. The results provide direct evidence that the expression level of the CAPL-encoded protein can determine the metastatic potential of osteosarcoma cells, and they demonstrate an association between reduced gene expression and proliferation-independent inhibition of the metastatic capacity of human tumor cells. The effects of the specific cleavage of CAPL mRNA indicate that the gene product is involved in key cellular functions associated with the metastatic process and suggest that therapeutic modulation of the protein function may represent a novel approach for inhibiting the metastatic spread of cancer cells.

Animals↗

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Advisory Committees↗

Separate amplified regions encompassing CDK4 and MDM2 in human sarcomas.

Amplification of MDM2 and CDK4 is observed frequently in human sarcomas. Although overexpression of these protooncogenes might inhibit growth regulation through the TP53- and retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (RB)-mediated pathways, neither gene was included consistently in all of the amplicons observed in our sarcoma panel. It was unclear whether both of these genes were selected for during amplification. Furthermore, in some samples without amplification of MDM2 or CDK4, comparative genomic hybridization showed amplification in the 12q13-15 region, suggesting that another selection mechanism might also be involved. To investigate the possibility that another target gene, which may be located between CDK4 and MDM2, could be the driving force, we characterized the involvement of 17 loci from this region in 12q13-15 amplicons that were detected previously in 21 sarcoma samples. The results showed discrete amplicons around MDM2 and CDK4 with reduced amplification of the intervening sequences. This suggests that there is separate selection for amplification of the two genes, and it makes the possibility of a common selective gene unlikely. Furthermore, D12S8, localized distal to MDM2, was amplified almost as frequently as MDM2 and was also amplified in one of the samples without MDM2 or CDK4 amplification. The data suggest that amplification of at least three different regions within the 12q13-15 segment may be selected for in tumor cells involving MDM2, CDK4, or a more distally located gene, possibly near D12S8.

Blotting, Southern↗

Identification of two distinct chromosome 12-derived amplification units in neuroblastoma cell line NGP.

The neuroblastoma cell line NGP contains two homogeneously staining regions (hsr). One of these hsrs contains MYCN sequences. Reverse painting experiments demonstrated that the second HSR consisted of two chromosome 12-derived amplification units, located at 12q14-15 and 12q24. Southern blot and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis showed amplification of genes located at 12q14-15: SAS, MDM2, and CDK4, GLI, CHOP, CDK2, and A2MR were found not to be amplified. FISH further demonstrated amplification of RSN, a gene located at 12q24. The finding of two distinct chromosome 12 amplification units in a neuroblastoma cell line NGP is reminiscent of recent findings in well-differentiated liposarcoma (WDLPS) and other sarcomas. The second amplification unit on chromosome 12 in NGP is located more distal (12q24) than the one observed in WDLPS (12q21). The mechanism and biologic significance of this amplification process in neuroblastoma and WDLPS remain to be elucidated.

Chromosomes, Human, Pair 12↗

Comparative genomic hybridization analysis of human sarcomas: I. Occurrence of genomic imbalances and identification of a novel major amplicon at 1q21-q22 in soft tissue sarcomas.

Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) was recently developed as a tool to survey entire genomes for variations in DNA sequence copy numbers. We have applied this technique to detect and map amplified regions in 54 soft tissue sarcomas. Aberrations were detected by visual analysis of hybridizations or contrast-enhanced digital images, followed by quantitative digital ratio imaging of the aberrant chromosomes. Several tumors showed increased DNA sequence copy number at 12q14, as expected. However, CGH analysis detected amplification of 12q14 also in some tumors where neither MDM2 nor CDK4 was amplified, suggesting that another as yet unknown gene(s) may drive amplification of this region in sarcomas. Furthermore, a novel recurring amplicon was detected at 1q21-q22. DNA amplifications coinciding with this segment were as frequent as those observed for 12q14, indicating that 1q21-q22-linked gene(s) may also play an important role in the development and/or progression of human soft tissue sarcomas.

Animals↗

Comparative genomic hybridization analysis of human sarcomas: II. Identification of novel amplicons at 6p and 17p in osteosarcomas.

Using comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), we have identified and mapped regions of DNA amplification in primary and metastatic osteosarcomas. Samples were obtained from four patients and ten independent xenografts. Sixty-four percent of the tumors showed increased DNA-sequence copy numbers, affecting 23 different chromosomal sites. Most of these regions were not previously associated with the development and/or progression of these tumors. Amplicons originating from 1q21-q23, 6p, 8q23-qter, and 17p11-p12 were observed most frequently. The 6p and 17p11-p12 amplicons seem to be specific for osteosarcomas, indicating that these regions may harbor genes relevant for the development of these tumors.

Animals↗

Homozygous deletion frequency and expression levels of the CDKN2 gene in human sarcomas--relationship to amplification and mRNA levels of CDK4 and CCND1.

Homozygous deletions of the putative tumour-suppressor gene CDKN2, which encodes an inhibitor of cdk4, have been detected in a high percentage of cancer cell lines of various histological types. In the present study, 109 human sarcomas were examined for homozygous deletions and for mRNA expression levels of the CDKN2 gene. Altogether, deletions were found in only eight (7%) of the cases, but, interestingly, in two (of eight) malignant Schwannomas and in two (of five) rhabdomyosarcomas. In comparison, such deletions were seen in only one (of 21) osteosarcomas and in none of 20 MFHs and 21 liposarcomas. Notably, highly elevated CDKN2 mRNA levels were found in 33% of the sarcomas, whereas no detectable transcript was present in 12 normal tissues. Amplifications of CDK4 and CCND1 (cyclin D1) were observed in 11% and 4% of the sarcomas respectively, but never in tumours with CDKN2 deletions. The level of CDK4 mRNA expression was increased in nine tumours in addition to the 12 samples with CDK4 amplification. Increased levels of the cyclin D1 transcript was found in 37 cases, four with and 33 without amplification. The data indicate that aberrations of these functionally related genes, or in regulation of the expression of the kinase, the activator or the inhibitor, may participate in sarcoma development. Furthermore, the data suggest that homozygous CDKN2 deletions may be of dissimilar significance in different sarcoma subtypes.

Animals↗

Cloning and characterization of two forms of bovine polymeric immunoglobulin receptor cDNA.

The polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (transmembrane secretory component) mediates transcellular transport of dimeric immunoglobulin A (IgA) and pentameric IgM in glandular and mucosal epithelial cells. cDNAs encoding two forms of the bovine polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) have been cloned and sequenced. The long form contains 3,527 bp and predicts a single open reading frame of 2,271 bp encoding a protein of 757 bp. The extracellular part contains five immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains. The shorter form lacks the region from residues 458-1,111 corresponding to Ig-like domains 2 and 3. In Northern blot analysis of various bovine tissues, only the long form of pIgR mRNA was detected. By using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), both forms were detected. An alignment of the cytoplasmic tail of the pIgR from bovine, human, rabbit, and rat revealed highly conserved areas that may reflect the importance of these regions for intracellular sorting of the receptor.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

MDM2 gene amplification and transcript levels in human sarcomas: relationship to TP53 gene status.

BACKGROUND: Alterations of the TP53 tumor suppressor gene appear to be implicated in the tumorigenesis and progression of several types of human cancer, including different histologic subtypes of sarcomas. The MDM2 (murine double minute-2) gene encodes a nuclear phosphoprotein that may interact with both mutant and wild-type p53 proteins, thereby inhibiting p53-mediated transactivation in a dose-dependent manner. Recently it has been suggested that mdm2 and p53 proteins are components of an autoregulatory loop in which the MDM2 gene is transactivated by p53. PURPOSE: Our purpose was to examine the frequency of MDM2 amplifications in larger panels of sarcomas, determine if the mRNA level could be elevated in tumors without concomitant gene amplification, and relate MDM2 findings to the TP53 status of the tumors. METHODS: Sarcoma tissue of different histologic subtypes was obtained from 68 patients at the time of surgery and from 26 human xenografts in nude mice. In addition, two human sarcoma cell lines (OSA and U2OS) were studied. Genomic DNA from tumor tissue, in vitro cell lines, and peripheral blood cells were isolated by Southern-blot analysis methods to determine MDM2 gene amplification. Tumor DNA was analyzed for possible TP53 gene mutations in exons 5, 7, and 8 by constant denaturing gel electrophoresis. To determine the MDM2 and TP53 mRNA levels, Northern-blot analysis was performed. RESULTS: Amplification of the MDM2 gene was detected in 10 tumors (10.3%). Whereas MDM2 amplification and/or over-expression were found only in two (U2OS and OSA cell lines) of 18 osteosarcomas, one of 20 malignant fibrous histiocytomas (MFHs), and in none of 14 leiomyosarcomas, such alterations were observed in two of two fibrosarcomas, three of six malignant schwannomas, three of 19 liposarcomas, and in the one hemangiopericytoma examined. MDM2 overexpression was found in all nine examined cases with and in three tumors without amplification. TP53 mutations were detected in 12 cases (five osteosarcomas, four MFHs, and three leiomyosarcomas), of which none showed amplification, but one had increased levels of MDM2 mRNA. None of the fibrosarcomas, malignant schwannomas, and liposarcomas examined had mutated TP53. The six sarcomas that showed high TP53 mRNA expression in the absence of gene mutation also had elevated levels of MDM2 mRNA. CONCLUSIONS: The present data provide further indications that increased MDM2 expression level, caused by gene amplification or altered regulation of transcription, is involved in tumor progression of some, but not all, sarcoma subtypes.

Animals↗

Expression of the neuroectodermal intermediate filament nestin in human melanomas.

Nestin is a newly identified intermediate filament expressed in proliferating neuronal progenitor cells, but not in the adult brain. Nestin expression reappears in many tumors of the central nervous system and has in human glioblastomas been associated with a high degree of malignancy. Because melanocytes are of neuroectodermal origin, we studied nestin expression in benign and malignant cells of the melanocytic lineage using Northern blot and immunohistochemical analyses. Nestin mRNA was detected in 24 of 34 metastatic melanomas and in 1 of 4 benign nevi, whereas the protein was expressed in 10 of 15 primary melanomas, in 29 of 34 metastatic tumors, and in 3 of 4 nevi. Neither normal melanocytes nor any of 4 basal cell carcinomas showed detectable levels of the protein. The high fraction of melanocytic tumors which express nestin, particularly the metastatic melanomas, suggests that nestin may be a useful marker for such malignancies. Furthermore, although no significant correlation between nestin expression and tumor malignancy was observed, the protein was most abundantly expressed in the infiltrating part of the tumors, indicating a possible involvement of nestin in tumor invasion.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

Comparative genomic hybridization as a tool to define two distinct chromosome 12-derived amplification units in well-differentiated liposarcomas.

Well-differentiated liposarcomas (WDLPS) are frequently characterized by a near-diploid karyotype with supernumerary ring and/or giant rod-shaped marker chromosomes. We have shown, using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and molecular strategies, that these markers contain chromosome 12-derived sequences. Here we report the analysis of six WDLPS for the presence of amplified DNA segments by means of the recently developed comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) strategy. Two distinct chromosome 12-derived amplification units could be identified in all tumors examined, one located in the q14-q15 region as expected, the second unexpectedly mapping to q21.3-q22. Our results indicate that the concerted amplification of these two distinct regions on the long arm of chromosome 12 may be a consistent characteristic of WDLPS. These amplifications are most likely directly related to the presence of supernumerary ring and/or giant marker chromosomes in this group of soft tissue tumors.

Cell Differentiation↗