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Searching for cancer-associated gene polymorphisms: promises and obstacles.

Low-penetrance genetic variations appear to form the most essential component of the heritability of cancer risk. Search for relevant polymorphic candidates faces significant obstacles, due to both the high number of potentially promising single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the intrinsic difficulties in identification of weak gene-disease interactions. At present, extensive case-control studies can be applied only to a limited number of gene polymorphisms. Therefore, the choice of SNPs that deserve an exhaustive populational analysis is of primary importance. Preferences are usually given to those genetic pathways, whose variability and role in cancer causation have been already shown by prior studies. The available electronic databases and software tools may allow further SNP sorting, based on functional predictions. The design for the pilot study may need to be different from the one for large-scale case-control analysis. Some investigations justify non-random patient selection for preliminary assessment of low-penetrance effects, with the emphasis on particularly susceptible individuals (familial, early onset, multiple cancer cases). Other presumably accelerating approaches suggest a decisive exclusion of SNP candidates showing only marginal effects, relaxed formats for rapid dissemination of preliminary data, use of more demonstrative controls such as elderly tumor-free subjects, etc. These short-cuts cannot be properly validated for the time being, due to the paucity of identified low-penetrance risk modifiers. It is expected that the increasing capacities of available DNA collections, coupled with the rapid development of high-throughput genotyping technologies, will vastly accelerate the research on polygenic cancer susceptibility.

Alleles↗

Glycoengineering of therapeutic glycoproteins: in vitro galactosylation and sialylation of glycoproteins with terminal N-acetylglucosamine and galactose residues.

Therapeutic glycoproteins produced in different host cells by recombinant DNA technology often contain terminal GlcNAc and Gal residues. Such glycoproteins clear rapidly from the serum as a consequence of binding to the mannose receptor and/or the asialoglycoprotein receptor in the liver. To increase the serum half-life of these glycoproteins, we carried out in vitro glycosylation experiments using TNFR-IgG, an immunoadhesin molecule, as a model therapeutic glycoprotein. TNFR-IgG is a disulfide-linked dimer of a polypeptide composed of the extracellular portion of the human type 1 (p55) tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) fused to the hinge and Fc regions of the human IgG(1) heavy chain. This bivalent antibody-like molecule contains four N-glycosylation sites per polypeptide, three in the receptor portion and one in the Fc. The heterogeneous N-linked oligosaccharides of TNFR-IgG contain sialic acid (Sia), Gal, and GlcNAc as terminal sugar residues. To increase the level of terminal sialylation, we regalactosylated and/or resialylated TNFR-IgG using beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase (beta1,4GT) and/or alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase (alpha2,3ST). Treatment of TNFR-IgG with beta1,4GT and UDP-Gal, in the presence of MnCl(2), followed by MALDI-TOF-MS analysis of PNGase F-released N-glycans showed that the number of oligosaccharides with terminal GlcNAc residues was significantly decreased with a concomitant increase in the number of terminal Gal residues. Similar treatment of TNFR-IgG with alpha2,3ST and CMP-sialic acid (CMP-Sia), in the presence of MnCl(2), produced a molecule with an approximately 11% increase in the level of terminal sialylation but still contained oligosaccharides with terminal GlcNAc residues. When TNFR-IgG was treated with a combination of beta1,4GT and alpha2,3ST (either in a single step or in a stepwise fashion), the level of terminal sialylation was increased by approximately 20-23%. These results suggest that in vitro galactosylation and sialylation of therapeutic glycoproteins with terminal GlcNAc and Gal residues can be achieved in a single step, and the results are similar to those for the stepwise reaction. This type of in vitro glycosylation is applicable to other glycoproteins containing terminal GlcNAc and Gal residues and could prove to be useful in increasing the serum half-life of therapeutic glycoproteins.

Acetylglucosamine↗

High-speed detection of the G894T polymorphism in exon 7 of the eNOS gene by real-time fluorescence PCR with the Light-Cycler.

In endothelial cells nitric oxide (NO) is synthesized by endothelial-nitric oxide synthase (e-NOS), constitutively expressed and encoded by a 26-exon gene, located on chromosome 7q35-36. The prevalence of the T rare variant of the G894T polymorphism in exon 7 of the e-NOS gene (Glu-->Asp amino acid substitution) has been reported to be significantly higher in patients with coronary spasm and coronary artery disease. To date G894T polymorphism detection is performed by PCR-RFLP assay. In order to establish a high-speed genotyping method, we have taken advantage of the Light Cycler instrument, a thermal cycler that combines rapid-cycle DNA amplification with a real-time fluorescence monitoring. This technology is based on hybridization of the adjacent fluorescently labeled probes with PCR products. This methodology is considered more accurate and less time-consuming than conventional PCR-RFLP assay. To validate this technique we genotyped 270 healthy subjects. The results were consistent with those obtained from PCR-RFLP assay.

Alleles↗

Transcriptome analysis and kidney research: toward systems biology.

An enormous amount of data has been generated in kidney research using transcriptome analysis techniques. In this review article, we first describe briefly the principles and major characteristics of several of these techniques. We then summarize the progress in kidney research that has been made by using transcriptome analysis, emphasizing the experience gained and the lessons learned. Several technical issues regarding DNA microarray are highlighted because of the rapidly increased use of this technology. It appears clear from this brief survey that transcriptome analysis is an effective and important tool for question-driven exploratory science. To further enhance the power of this and other high throughput, as well as conventional approaches, in future studies of the kidney, we propose a multidimensional systems biology paradigm that integrates investigation at multiple levels of biologic regulation toward the goal of achieving a global understanding of physiology and pathophysiology.

Animals↗

Non-isotopic restriction mapping of cosmid DNA.

A protocol for the non-isotopic restriction mapping of cosmid DNA was developed. After digestion with lambda terminase and partial digestion with restriction enzymes, DNA fragments containing right or left cohesive cos termini were selectively captured by hybridization with biotinylated oligonucleotides, bound to magnetic beads coated with streptavidin and recovered by heating. Recovered DNA fragments containing cos ends were resolved by agarose gel electrophoresis, and fluorescence from the DNA fragments in the ethidium bromide-stained gel was detected with the fluorescent image analyzer, FMBIO. Restriction maps were directly determined from the ladder of the partial digestion products. Two micrograms of cosmid DNA for each partial digestion were sufficient for mapping the restriction enzyme sites. This procedure provides a prototype for other cos sequence-mediated or other specific sequence-mediated DNA isolation technologies and a convenient method for non-isotopic DNA analysis. The rapid physical analysis of cosmid DNA that we present here will contribute to large DNA structural analyses like the human genome project.

Base Sequence↗

Pyrosequencing technology as a method for the diagnosis of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2.

BACKGROUND: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) is a cancer syndrome with well-characterized causative mutations. Missense mutations in approximately 15 codons of the RET gene have been linked to disease phenotypes in the vast majority of cases. These missense mutations range from very simple single nucleotide base changes to more numerous changes at a given codon; they therefore are often tested for by more than one DNA-based diagnostic method. We developed and evaluated a Pyrosequencing technology-based approach for MEN2 mutation testing that allows both simple and complex mutations to be analyzed on one platform. METHODS: Archived DNA from peripheral blood of patients referred to the Mayo Clinic Molecular Genetics laboratory for MEN2 testing was selected. One to all of codons 609, 611, 618, 620, 630, 634, 768, 804, and 918 were analyzed by Pyrosequencing technology to match the original analysis of each patient. Template PCRs were set up using an automated liquid handler; the subsequent post-PCR preparation step was performed manually, and the sequencing was performed by a PSQ 96 instrument. Samples were tested in batch sizes expected to occur routinely. RESULTS: We analyzed samples from 217 patients who previously tested negative for MEN2 and 230 patients who previously tested positive, for a total of 1449 sequencing reactions. One discrepant result was found (100% concordant for negatives and 99.6% concordant for positives). A total of 37 unique mutations or alterations of unknown significance were analyzed. CONCLUSION: Pyrosequencing technology offers an accurate, nonisotopic, simple, and rapid method for the analysis of DNA from patients suspected of having MEN2.

DNA Mutational Analysis↗

DNA microarray technologies for measuring protein-DNA interactions.

DNA-binding proteins have key roles in many cellular processes, including transcriptional regulation and replication. Microarray-based technologies permit the high-throughput identification of binding sites and enable the functional roles of these binding proteins to be elucidated. In particular, microarray readout either of chromatin immunoprecipitated DNA-bound proteins (ChIP-chip) or of DNA adenine methyltransferase fusion proteins (DamID) enables the identification of in vivo genomic target sites of proteins. A complementary approach to analyse the in vitro binding of proteins directly to double-stranded DNA microarrays (protein binding microarrays; PBMs), permits rapid characterization of their DNA binding site sequence specificities. Recent advances in DNA microarray synthesis technologies have facilitated the definition of DNA-binding sites at much higher resolution and coverage, and advances in these and emerging technologies will further increase the efficiencies of these exciting new approaches.

Animals↗

Rapid isolation of high quality, multimeric plasmid DNA using zwitterionic detergent.

Purification of plasmid DNA from bacteria is an essential tool in recombinant DNA technology and has become an essential task in laboratories to industries. Moreover, the recent progress of "Gene therapy" and "Genetic vaccination" also demands production of pharmaceutical grade plasmid DNA in 'kilogram' level. Despite existence of a number of purification protocols, all most all have been originated from a pioneering work [Birnboim, H.C., Doly, J., 1979. A rapid extraction procedure for screening recombinant plasmid DNA. Nucleic Acids Res. 7, 1513-1523] and so suffer from one or more drawbacks, such as purification time, purity or quantity of isolated plasmid DNA. Here, we have reported an innovative approach for isolation of highly pure and functional plasmid DNA in significant amount, based on generation of "soft protein aggregate" with the help of zwitterionic detergents and alkali. Solibilized proteins and RNA could be removed by a simple and mild washing with Tris buffer of low ionic strength and multimeric plasmid DNA could be eluted in a single step from the protein aggregate. Additionally, isolated plasmid DNA could easily be digested by restriction enzymes and had high functionality in protein expression. Thus, considering both its remarkable simplicity and efficiency in producing sufficiently pure plasmid DNA, the new strategy would emerge a useful tool in modern recombinant technology and therapeutic applications.

Alkalies↗

Functional protein microarrays for parallel characterisation of p53 mutants.

Understanding the way in which single nucleotide polymorphisms and mutations in the human genome result in individual susceptibility to disease is a major goal in the postgenomic era. Such knowledge should accelerate the development of personalised medicine in which drug treatment can specifically match an individual's genotype. High-throughput DNA sequencing is generating the initial information required, but new technologies are required that can rapidly characterise the phenotypic effects of the identified polymorphisms. For example, many thousands of allelic variants of the p53 gene have been described and are responsible for more than 50% of cancers, however few of the protein products have been functionally characterised. Here we have quantified in parallel the effects of mutations and polymorphisms on the DNA-binding function of the p53 oncoprotein using a protein microarray, allowing their subclassification according to functional effect. Protein-protein interactions between p53 variants and (i) a regulatory oncoprotein, (ii) a regulatory kinase resulting in on-chip phosphorylation, are also described, suggesting the more general utility of this high-throughput assay format.

Alleles↗

Applications of Luminex xMAP technology for rapid, high-throughput multiplexed nucleic acid detection.

BACKGROUND: As we enter the post-genome sequencing era and begin to sift through the enormous amount of genetic information now available, the need for technologies that allow rapid, cost-effective, high-throughput detection of specific nucleic acid sequences becomes apparent. Multiplexing technologies, which allow for simultaneous detection of multiple nucleic acid sequences in a single reaction, can greatly reduce the time, cost and labor associated with single reaction detection technologies. METHODS: The Luminex xMAP system is a multiplexed microsphere-based suspension array platform capable of analyzing and reporting up to 100 different reactions in a single reaction vessel. This technology provides a new platform for high-throughput nucleic acid detection and is being utilized with increasing frequency. Here we review specific applications of xMAP technology for nucleic acid detection in the areas of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping, genetic disease screening, gene expression profiling, HLA DNA typing and microbial detection. CONCLUSIONS: These studies demonstrate the speed, efficiency and utility of xMAP technology for simultaneous, rapid, sensitive and specific nucleic acid detection, and its capability to meet the current and future requirements of the molecular laboratory for high-throughput nucleic acid detection.

Animals↗

Distinct and complementary information provided by use of tissue and DNA microarrays in the study of breast tumor markers.

Emerging high-throughput screening technologies are rapidly providing opportunities to identify new diagnostic and prognostic markers and new therapeutic targets in human cancer. Currently, cDNA arrays allow the quantitative measurement of thousands of mRNA expression levels simultaneously. Validation of this tool in hospital settings can be done on large series of archival paraffin-embedded tumor samples using the new technique of tissue microarray. On a series of 55 clinically and pathologically homogeneous breast tumors, we compared for 15 molecules with a proven or suspected role in breast cancer, the mRNA expression levels measured by cDNA array analysis with protein expression levels obtained using tumor tissue microarrays. The validity of cDNA array and tissue microarray data were first verified by comparison with quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction measurements and immunohistochemistry on full tissue sections, respectively. We found a good correlation between cDNA and tissue array analyses in one-third of the 15 molecules, and no correlation in the remaining two-thirds. Furthermore, protein but not RNA levels may have prognostic value; this was the case for MUC1 protein, which was studied further using a tissue microarray containing approximately 600 tumor samples. For THBS1 the opposite was observed because only RNA levels had prognostic value. Thus, differences extended to clinical prognostic information obtained by the two methods underlining their complementarity and the need for a global molecular analysis of tumors at both the RNA and protein levels.

Base Sequence↗

Analysis of genetic markers in forensic DNA samples using the polymerase chain reaction.

The ability to extract and type DNA from forensic evidentiary samples has revolutionized the field of forensic serology. Previously, genetic marker typing was limited to the analysis of blood group markers and soluble polymorphic protein markers. Because the number of suitable markers expressed in particular fluids and tissues is relatively small, and because mixtures of fluids cannot be separated for conventional genetic marker typing, a suspect frequently cannot be included or excluded as a fluid donor in a case. However, the development of methods to extract DNA from virtually all biological specimens has greatly expanded the potential for individual identification. Of particular importance was the ability to extract mixtures of sperm cells and epithelial cells found in sexual assault cases such that the DNA from the sperm cells could be typed independently of the DNA from the victim's epithelial cells. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis was the first DNA-based method applied to problems of individual identification. This method, while powerful in its ability to differentiate individuals, is limited by the quantity and quality of DNA required for an unambiguous result and by the amount of time it takes to obtain a result. Despite these limitations, several laboratories are using RFLP analysis successfully for the detection of polymorphisms in forensic DNA case samples. While the field of forensic serology was being revolutionized by the prospect of DNA analysis, the field of molecular biology was being revolutionized by the invention of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which ultimately has had an impact on every area of biological science. The PCR DNA amplification technology is ideally suited for the analysis of forensic DNA samples in that it is sensitive and rapid and not as limited by the quality of DNA as the RFLP method. The focus of this article is the use of the PCR for typing genetic markers, and we will address specifically the special considerations that arise from applying DNA amplification and typing technology to forensic materials.

DNA↗

Safety and efficacy of tissue-type plasminogen activator produced by recombinant DNA technology.

Because of its enhanced activation of plasminogen in association with fibrin compared with free plasminogen, tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) evoked excitement as a potentially useful pharmacologic activator of the fibrinolytic system. Initial studies in experimental animals and patients demonstrated that it induced coronary thrombolysis rapidly and without concomitant, marked fibrinogenolysis in contrast to streptokinase. Large scale clinical trials soon followed. Their results indicate that intravenous administration of t-PA produced by recombinant DNA technology (rt-PA) elicits coronary thrombolysis in two-thirds or more of treated patients with angiographically documented thrombotic occlusions generally without perturbing hemostatic mechanisms or inducing marked fibrinogenolysis. Bleeding is usually confined to vascular access sites and episodes of major bleeding are rare. Overall 6 week survival for treated patients with documented acute myocardial infarction may be as high as 95%.

Coronary Thrombosis↗

Technologies for individual genotyping: detection of genetic polymorphisms in drug targets and disease genes.

Genetic variations have been associated with a predisposition to common diseases and individual variations in drug responses. Identification and genotyping a vast number of genetic polymorphisms in large populations are increasingly important for disease gene identification and pharmacogenetics. Commonly used gel electrophoresis-based genotyping methods for known polymorphisms include polymerase chain reaction (PCR) coupled with restriction fragment-length polymorphism analysis, allele-specific amplification, and oligonucleotide ligation assay. Fluorescent dye-based DNA fragmentation has been extensively used for high-throughput microsatellite or short tandem-repeat genotyping. TaqMan and molecular beacon genotyping are commonly used homogeneous solution hybridization technologies. Because of the ease of experimental assay design, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping methods based on single-base extension are in rapid development, such as fluorescence homogenous assays, pyrosequencing and mass spectrometry. Non-PCR based genotyping assays such as Invader trade mark assays are promised to genotype directly from genomic DNA without the requirement of PCR amplification. The DNA microarray is a solid phase genotyping format that is rapidly developing for parallel genotyping of a large number of SNPs simultaneously. Advanced technologies to identify genetic polymorphisms rapidly, accurately, and cost effectively will fundamentally change the practice of medicine by allowing physicians to prescribe medicine based on a patient's genetic make-up.

Alleles↗

Identification of differential gene expression profiles in rat cortical cells exposed to the neuroactive agents trimethylolpropane phosphate and bicuculline.

Recent technological advancements in microfabrication combined with the rapid acquisition of full genome sequence data have led to the development of DNA arrays that have the capacity to monitor the expression levels of thousands of genes simultaneously. The development of this technology enables the use of functional genomics approaches to identify molecular markers associated with cellular responsiveness to cytotoxic exposures. Databases containing unique cell-response profiles associated with specific toxicants or classes of toxicants can then be used in conjunction with cell-based biosensor platforms for environmental surveillance and toxicological assessment. An important issue that must be addressed, however, is whether DNA arrays can be used to identify transient gene modulation events in a reproducible manner. To address this issue, we utilized a primary embryonic rat (day 18) cortical cell model system and examined the RNA of both chemically treated and untreated cells using radioisotope-labeled cDNA probes and commercially available nylon membrane arrays. Using this approach, we examined experimental variability, basal gene expression variability, the occurrence of false positives, and the reproducibility of gene expression profiles obtained after chemical exposure. Minimal differences in gene modulation were observed between RNA samples from independently cultured cortical cells when array experiments were conducted in parallel (Pearson correlation coefficient for gene intensities =0.98). In contrast, significant differences in gene expression were observed between array experiments conducted at different times with an identical RNA source (Pearson correlation coefficient for gene intensities=0.91). Our results suggest the effect of basal gene activity differences in independently isolated cell cultures is negligible and that experimental variability possibly associated with the handling of RNA samples, differences in reverse transcription efficiency, hybridization, and/or signal acquisition are the primary contributors to variability in measurements. Using cDNA array analysis of unexposed cells from three independent cell culture preparations, we calculated false positive gene modulation events as a function of the threshold absolute value of log(2) >1.0. The number of false positives using this criteria was 1-10 gene/ESTs/5109 actively transcribed gene/ESTs represented on the array. Using three independent replicate experiments of untreated cortical cell cultures, we determined that a threshold criterion of absolute value of log(2) >0.63 for triplicate experiments would reduce the expected number of false positives in our experiments to less than one. Using this criterion, reproducible gene expression profiles were identified in cortical cells exposed to the neuroactive agents trimethylolpropane phosphate and bicuculline.

Animals↗

Genetic information privacy and discrimination.

As rapidly evolving technologies provide more information about disease-related genes in human DNA, there is an increase in genetic screening for predisposition for a variety of diseases. Knowledge of genetic information provides significant benefits and drawbacks. Potential misuse of genetic information, particularly by employers or insurance companies, is a realistic possibility. Genetic information is often attainable via electronic medical information databases, heightening concerns that these data will be accessed by third parties and used for discriminatory purposes. Many lawmakers believe that potential harm specifically resulting from misuse of genetic information is so great that legal protection is required.

Confidentiality↗

Immune mechanisms in HIV infection.

Recent advances in immunobiology have led to a greater understanding of the healthy immune system and the complex pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the decrease in CD4+ T cells is rapidly evolving as a result of new assays, genetic advances, and recombinant DNA technologies. Studying the immune responses of long-term non-progressors is also providing insight into the immunopathology of HIV. Trials using highly active antiretroviral therapy and immune modulators have shown that it may be possible to reverse damage to the immune system and increase CD4+ T-cell numbers. Current and future findings might provide the knowledge necessary to identify effective HIV drugs and vaccines with acceptable toxicity profiles and to determine whether it will be possible to fully restore immune system function in patients with HIV disease.

AIDS Vaccines↗

Use of microarrays to identify targets in cardiovascular disease.

The year 2000 will long be remembered in biology for the completion of the basic sequence of the human genome. This remarkable achievement comes at a time when the technology for exploiting differential expression of genes in cells and tissues is rapidly progressing. Although many methods have been available over the past two decades for exploring differential expression of genes, DNA microarray technology has already proven revolutionary. The capability of monitoring expression of thousands of genes simultaneously has already yielded unique insight into many physiologic and pathophysiologic processes. For cardiovascular disease, microarray technology promises to provide new understanding of mechanisms of cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure and vascular disease. As the availability of this technology expands and the costs decrease, microarray technology will be an essential method for identifying novel therapeutic and diagnostic targets in cardiovascular disease. In addition to identifying new targets, microarrays have the potential to decrease the long research and development time required to bring a concept to the bedside. Although microarray technology will help fuel the imminent explosion of novel approaches to cardiovascular disease, the technology also requires cautious interpretation and well-considered validation strategies.

Journal Article↗