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Biomedical subjects

Robert Lucito

Publications and source records attributed to Robert Lucito.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

A versatile statistical analysis algorithm to detect genome copy number variation.

We have developed a versatile statistical analysis algorithm for the detection of genomic aberrations in human cancer cell lines. The algorithm analyzes genomic data obtained from a variety of array technologies, such as oligonucleotide array, bacterial artificial chromosome array, or array-based comparative genomic hybridization, that operate by hybridizing with genomic material obtained from cancer and normal cells and allow detection of regions of the genome with altered copy number. The number of probes (i.e., resolution), the amount of uncharacterized noise per probe, and the severity of chromosomal aberrations per chromosomal region may vary with the underlying technology, biological sample, and sample preparation. Constrained by these uncertainties, our algorithm aims at robustness by using a priorless maximum a posteriori estimator and at efficiency by a dynamic programming implementation. We illustrate these characteristics of our algorithm by applying it to data obtained from representational oligonucleotide microarray analysis and array-based comparative genomic hybridization technology as well as to synthetic data obtained from an artificial model whose properties can be varied computationally. The algorithm can combine data from multiple sources and thus facilitate the discovery of genes and markers important in cancer, as well as the discovery of loci important in inherited genetic disease.

Algorithms↗

Large-scale copy number polymorphism in the human genome.

The extent to which large duplications and deletions contribute to human genetic variation and diversity is unknown. Here, we show that large-scale copy number polymorphisms (CNPs) (about 100 kilobases and greater) contribute substantially to genomic variation between normal humans. Representational oligonucleotide microarray analysis of 20 individuals revealed a total of 221 copy number differences representing 76 unique CNPs. On average, individuals differed by 11 CNPs, and the average length of a CNP interval was 465 kilobases. We observed copy number variation of 70 different genes within CNP intervals, including genes involved in neurological function, regulation of cell growth, regulation of metabolism, and several genes known to be associated with disease.

Alleles↗

RNA interference microarrays: high-throughput loss-of-function genetics in mammalian cells.

RNA interference (RNAi) is a biological process in which a double-stranded RNA directs the silencing of target genes in a sequence-specific manner. Exogenously delivered or endogenously encoded double-stranded RNAs can enter the RNAi pathway and guide the suppression of transgenes and cellular genes. This technique has emerged as a powerful tool for reverse genetic studies aimed toward the elucidation of gene function in numerous biological models. Two approaches, the use of small interfering RNAs and short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs), have been developed to permit the application of RNAi technology in mammalian cells. Here we describe the use of a shRNA-based live-cell microarray that allows simple, low-cost, high-throughput screening of phenotypes caused by the silencing of specific endogenous genes. This approach is a variation of "reverse transfection" in which mammalian cells are cultured on a microarray slide spotted with different shRNAs in a transfection carrier. Individual cell clusters become transfected with a defined shRNA that directs the inhibition of a particular gene of interest, potentially producing a specific phenotype. We have validated this approach by targeting genes involved in cytokinesis and proteasome-mediated proteolysis.

Animals↗

Circular binary segmentation for the analysis of array-based DNA copy number data.

DNA sequence copy number is the number of copies of DNA at a region of a genome. Cancer progression often involves alterations in DNA copy number. Newly developed microarray technologies enable simultaneous measurement of copy number at thousands of sites in a genome. We have developed a modification of binary segmentation, which we call circular binary segmentation, to translate noisy intensity measurements into regions of equal copy number. The method is evaluated by simulation and is demonstrated on cell line data with known copy number alterations and on a breast cancer cell line data set.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Representational oligonucleotide microarray analysis: a high-resolution method to detect genome copy number variation.

We have developed a methodology we call ROMA (representational oligonucleotide microarray analysis), for the detection of the genomic aberrations in cancer and normal humans. By arraying oligonucleotide probes designed from the human genome sequence, and hybridizing with "representations" from cancer and normal cells, we detect regions of the genome with altered "copy number." We achieve an average resolution of 30 kb throughout the genome, and resolutions as high as a probe every 15 kb are practical. We illustrate the characteristics of probes on the array and accuracy of measurements obtained using ROMA. Using this methodology, we identify variation between cancer and normal genomes, as well as between normal human genomes. In cancer genomes, we readily detect amplifications and large and small homozygous and hemizygous deletions. Between normal human genomes, we frequently detect large (100 kb to 1 Mb) deletions or duplications. Many of these changes encompass known genes. ROMA will assist in the discovery of genes and markers important in cancer, and the discovery of loci that may be important in inherited predispositions to disease.

Aneuploidy↗