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Historical prospective of human cytogenetics: from microscope to microarray.

After the fundamental discovery in 1956 that normal human cells contain 46 chromosomes, clinical cytogenetics was born and studies into the relation of chromosomal defects and disease could begin. Although many technical advances have been made over this long period, including the introduction of molecular techniques, until now, all cytogenetic studies have been performed through regular microscopes, which was throughout the years the most important equipment of a cytogenetic laboratory. However, recently a new technique has been introduced based on comparative genomic hybridization on an array of thousands of different probes (array-CGH). This technique enables an increase in the sensitivity of detecting chromosomal aberrations far beyond the detection limit of regular banding techniques. Furthermore, it gives us the possibility to detect genomic changes in malignant cells in cases where aberrations are too complex to study or when chromosomes are not available at all. Cytogenetic laboratories are now challenged to introduce and incorporate this new application next to the various well-established microscopical techniques to provide optimal diagnostic services.

Chromosome Banding↗

Cytogenetic effects of combined radioactive (137Cs) and chemical (Cd, Pb, and 2,4-D herbicide) contamination on spring barley intercalar meristem cells.

The frequency of cytogenetic effects in spring barley intercalar meristem cells was studied in the presence of a range of different stressors. There was a non-linear dependence on the concentrations of 137Cs, Cd, Pb, and dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) herbicide contamination in the exposure ranges used. The frequency of cytogenetic effects increased at the lower concentrations of the pollutants more rapidly than at the higher concentrations. Contamination of the soil by lead at a concentration that meets the current standards for permissible content in soil, and by 2,4-D herbicide at the application levels recommended for agricultural use resulted in a significant increase in aberrant cell frequency. In these cases, the extent of the observed cytogenetic effects was comparable with the effect induced by a 137Cs soil contamination of 49.2 kBq/kg, a level that exceeds by 10-fold the maximum level permitted in radionuclide-contaminated areas where people are resident. In most cases, the experimentally observed combined effects of the pollutants studied differed from those expected from an additive hypothesis. When combined with 137Cs contamination, antagonistic effects became increasingly stronger when the second stressor was changed from cadmium to lead, and then to the herbicide, as measured both by tests of the 'frequency of aberrant cells' and the 'aberrations per cell'. Data from this study and previous reported literature suggest that synergistic increases in cytogenetic effects can be induced by the simultaneous influence of several stressors even at low intensities. This indicates that there is a capability for mutual intensification of the effects of environmental factors that actually occur in situations of low-level exposure.

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid↗

Molecular cytogenetic characterization of a case of Müllerian adenosarcoma.

Müllerian adenosarcoma is a distinctive type of mixed Müllerian tumor of the female genital tract. To our knowledge, no cytogenetic data have been documented on Müllerian adenosarcoma in the literature so far. We report here the chromosomal findings of a Müllerian adenosarcoma in a 15-year-old female. Cytogenetic and molecular cytogenetic analysis revealed a complex karyotype involving chromosomes 2, 8, 10, 13, 19, and 21. These numerical and structural abnormalities may be of etiologic significance. This report may highlight the potential value of molecular cytogenetic analysis in differential diagnosis of Müllerian tumors. More cases are warranted to further genetically characterize this type of neoplasm.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗

[The future of cytogenetics after the sequencing of the human genome].

Since the fundamental discovery in 1956 that normal human cell contain 46 chromosomes, human cytogenetics has been transformed by technological advance that have greatly improved resolution and sensibility, first with the introduction of banding and high resolution technologies and, latter, with the fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). These latest technique allow to detect extremely subtle alterations in chromosome constitution and had made possible to evaluate the karyotype of non-dividing cells. The latest transformation of cytogenetics came with the technique of comparative genome hybridization which allows genome-wide screens for the loss or gain of chromosomal material in test samples relative to normal controls. Nevertheless, only the conventional cytogenetics techniques are able to detect balanced chromosomals rearrangements particularly in phenotypically abnormal patients in whom candidate genes may be disrupted or functionally altered. Thus, Cytogenetics will still play a central role in our understanding of the molecular basis of human hereditary diseases.

Chromosome Disorders↗

A systematic review of cytogenetic studies conducted in human populations exposed to cadmium compounds.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to cadmium fumes or dusts has been associated with an increased risk of lung cancer and the characterisation of the genotoxic potential of cadmium compounds is, among other possible mechanisms, an important element in the assessment of the carcinogenic hazard of the element. While there is some evidence that in experimental systems, cadmium compounds may exert genotoxic effects, the results of the epidemiological studies having examined cytogenetic endpoints in humans exposed to cadmium appear conflicting. Therefore, a systematic review was undertaken to assess whether a cytogenetic effect of cadmium exposure is supported by the studies with the strongest design. METHODS: The relevant literature was identified through several databases and assessed with a check-list by two reviewers. Causes of heterogeneity between studies were looked for. Results were extracted and the strength of the evidence was evaluated with causality criteria. RESULTS: No studies met the criteria for being considered as very convincing. Several factors were identified that could explain contradictory findings (small sample size, selection bias, insufficient characterisation of exposure, lack of consideration of confounders) but their actual impact could not be conclusively assessed with the published information. Importantly, it should be recognised that the absence of a clear mechanism for the cytogenetic action of cadmium compounds did not allow to select the most appropriate endpoint to be examined. CONCLUSIONS: No clear association between cadmium exposure and cytogenetic endpoint appeared but no definite conclusion can be drawn from the existing studies in humans. Future research efforts should mainly focus on experimental studies to understand how cadmium compounds could produce genotoxic/carcinogenic effects, in order to target the most relevant endpoint to be examined in humans.

Cadmium Compounds↗

Cytogenetic tools for Arabidopsis thaliana.

Although the first description of chromosomes of Arabidopsis dates as far back as 1907, little attention was paid to its cytogenetics for a long time. The spectacular interest in chromosome research for this species that now is the model plant species by excellence came with the introduction of molecular cytogenetical research including FISH technology, genome sequence data and immunodetection of chromatin proteins. In this paper, we present an overview of the most important cytogenetic tools that were developed for Arabidopsis in recent decades. It shows the power of meiosis for studying synaptic mutants and FISH technology, and the development of numerical and structural chromosome mutant series like trisomics, telotrisomics and translocations for assigning linkage groups to chromosomes. Its small genome and chromosome size and relatively simple organization of heterochromatin have been the key to a successful characterization of the molecular organization of repetitive and single copy sequences on the chromosomes, both in metaphase and pachytene complements, but also in interphase nuclei and extended DNA fibres. Finally, Arabidopsis is the first plant species in which a heterochromatin knob could be analysed in full detail and in which chromosome painting with BAC clones covering whole chromosome arms could be established. All these achievements are probably only the very first steps in a promising new era in plant cytogenetics and chromatin research yet to come.

Arabidopsis↗

Cytological and cytogenetic effects of the fluoroquinolone ofloxacin on human periodontal ligament fibroblasts.

The fluoroquinolone ofloxacin (OFLX) is one of the candidates of antibacterial agents to be topically used against periodontitis. To estimate the maximum concentration of OFLX which exerts little or no adverse effect on the periodontal ligament, cytological and cytogenetic effects of OFLX on human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (Pel cells) were examined. Treatment of Pel cells with < or =0.3 mM OFLX for 24 or 48 h had little inhibitory effect on cellular growth and survival. DNA, RNA and protein syntheses in Pel cells did not decrease in response to treatment with < or =0.3 mM OFLX. The constitutive level of alkaline phosphatase mRNA was retained in cells treated with < or = 0.03 mM OFLX for 24 or 48 h. The level of type I procollagen mRNA was not affected by treatment with < or = 0.003 mM OFLX for 24 or 48 h. Cytogenetic effects of OFLX were evaluated by the ability of OFLX to induce chromosome aberrations in Pel cells. Treatment with OFLX at 0.3-3.0 mM for 6, 24, or 48 h failed to induce chromosome aberrations in Pel cells. The failure of OFLX to induce chromosome aberrations was seen even in the presence of exogenous metabolic activation using a 5% rat liver post-mitochondrial supernatant mixture. These results indicate that treatment of Pel cells with < or =0.003 mM OFLX has few or no adverse effects on the cytological and cytogenetic endpoints examined, suggesting that there would be little adverse effect on growth and differentiation of the periodontal ligament, as well as little cytogenetic activity, if OFLX were to be topically administered to the gingival crevice at the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC90) against periodontopathic bacteria (< or = 0.0027 mM). It is important to note, however, that extrapolation of these findings to in vivo conditions has yet to be undertaken.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Telomere shortening and mitotic dysfunction generate cytogenetic heterogeneity in a subgroup of renal cell carcinomas.

Most renal cell carcinomas (RCC) show only simple chromosomal changes. However, a more complex cytogenetic pattern has been found in a subgroup of aggressive RCC, indicating that further accumulation of chromosome changes could play a role in tumour progression. To explore the possible mechanisms behind cytogenetic evolution in RCC, a parallel assessment of chromosome mutations and mitotic segregation pattern in eight tumours was performed. In the majority of cases, no abnormalities in the cell division machinery were found and the rate of alterations in chromosome copy number, as measured by interphase FISH, was similar to that in non-neoplastic cells. This was reflected by relatively simple karyotypes, with little cytogenetic intratumour heterogeneity. In contrast, another group of tumours exhibited several cytogenetically related clones with additional structural chromosomal changes at two or more ploidy levels and a frequency of copy number alterations that was higher than in normal cells. In these cases, the telomere repeat sequences were abnormally short and chromosomal breakage-fusion-bridge events were observed at cell division, as well as multipolar configurations and supernumerary centrosomes. Abnormalities of the cell division machinery may thus contribute to the evolution of complex karyotypes and genetic intratumour heterogeneity in a subgroup of RCC.

Adult↗

Autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in acute myeloblastic leukaemia and myelodysplastic syndrome patients: evaluation of tumour cell contamination of leukaphereses by cytogenetic and molecular methods.

We evaluated 18 acute myeloblastic leukaemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients with abnormal karyotype at diagnosis who underwent peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation. To evaluate the presence of residual tumour cells, bone marrow (BM) samples and PBSC collections were analysed by cytogenetics and in selected cases also by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) and molecular studies. All patients were considered to be in morphologic and cytogenetic complete remission (CR) at the time of mobilisation. Seven patients showed neoplastic cells in PBSC harvest and/or BM specimen before reinfusion. Cytogenetic studies revealed contamination in apheretic collections in one patient only, while three patients had BM but not PBSC contamination. Three more patients had leukaemic cells both in the BM and PBSC. All but one (with only BM contamination) of these patients relapsed within 9 months. However, five more patients relapsed after transplantation: in four cases there was no cytogenetic sign of contamination either in PBSC or BM cells and in one case no molecular evidence was revealed either. This study suggests that, whereas the presence of leukaemic cells in autologous grafts correlates with a poor prognosis, the lack of detection of tumour cells is not always predictive of long-term disease-free survival. More importantly, PBSC collections from AML patients are not contaminated by leukaemic cells if the BM is disease-free.

Adult↗

Demonstration of Philadelphia chromosome negative abnormal clones in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia during major cytogenetic responses induced by imatinib mesylate.

Imatinib mesylate, an Abl-specific kinase inhibitor, produces sustained complete hematologic responses (CHR) and major cytogenetic responses (MCR) in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients, but long-term outcomes in these patients are not yet known. This article reports the identification of clonal abnormalities in cells lacking detectable Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome/BCR-ABL rearrangements from seven patients with chronic- or accelerated-phase CML, who were treated with imatinib. All seven patients were refractory or intolerant to interferon therapy. Six of seven patients demonstrated MCR and one patient, who had a cryptic translocation, achieved low-level positivity (2.5%) for BCR-ABL by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The median duration of imatinib treatment before the identification of cytogenetic abnormalities in BCR-ABL-negative cells was 13 months. The most common cytogenetic abnormality was trisomy 8, documented in three patients. All patients had varying degrees of dysplastic morphologic abnormalities. One patient exhibited increased numbers of marrow blasts, yet consistently demonstrated no Ph-positive metaphases and the absence of morphologic features of CML. The presence of clonal abnormalities in Ph-negative cells of imatinib-treated CML patients with MCR and CHR highlights the importance of routine metaphase cytogenetic testing and long-term follow-up of all imatinib-treated patients.

Adult↗

Cytogenetics and prognosis in childhood lymphoblastic leukaemia: results of MRC UKALL X. Medical Research Council Working Party in Childhood Leukaemia.

We have analysed the prognostic influence of cytogenetic findings at diagnosis in a group of 502 children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), treated on MRC UKALL X, in whom clonal cytogenetic abnormalities were detected at diagnosis. Despite the overall improvement in outcome in children treated on this protocol compared with previous trials, some cytogenetically-defined groups were still associated with a poor outcome and ploidy retained some prognostic significance. Patients with high hyperdiploid ALL (39% of those with clonal abnormalities) had a favourable outcome with event free survival of 71% at 5 years. Those with near haploidy (1%), hypodiploidy (9%) and low hyperdiploidy (16.5%) had a relatively poor prognosis with event-free survival at 5 years of 17%, 42% and 49% respectively. Only two of 12 children with Ph-positive leukaemia are alive in remission and abnormalities of chromosome 11q23 were also associated with a high risk of treatment failure. In contrast, the t(1;19) was associated with improved event-free survival of 87.5% at 5 years. A number of other non-random abnormalities were identified with no clear prognostic significance. We conclude that identification of certain genetic changes remains important in the management of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, although whether molecular diagnosis of clinically relevant abnormalities can now supplant cytogenetics in the clinical trials context remains to be determined.

Child↗

Cytogenetics of multiple myeloma: interpretation of fluorescence in situ hybridization results.

The cytogenetic picture in multiple myeloma (MM) is highly complex, from which non-random numerical and structural chromosomal changes have been identified. Specifically, translocations involving the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene (IGH) at 14q32 and either monosomy or deletions of chromosome 13 have been reported in a significant number of patients from both cytogenetic and interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) studies. Importantly, these abnormalities of chromosome 13 have recently been associated with a poor prognosis. In view of the highly complex nature of the karyotypes in MM patients, interphase FISH results may be difficult to interpret. In this study, cytogenetics and/or interphase FISH were carried out on bone marrow samples or purified plasma cells from 37 MM patients. Abnormal karyotypes, characterized by multiplex FISH (M-FISH) were found in 11 patients, all of which were highly complex. Interphase FISH revealed translocations involving the IGH locus in 16 (43%) patients. The IGH/cyclin D1 (CCND1) gene fusion characteristic of the translocation, t(11;14)(q13;q32), was seen in 12 (32%) of these patients and other rearrangements of IGH in four (11%) patients. Fourteen patients had additional copies of chromosome 11. Twenty patients (54%) had 13q14 deletions, 10 of whom also had t(11;14) or another IGH translocation. By comparing cytogenetic and FISH results, this study has revealed that significant chromosomal abnormalities might be hidden within highly complex karyotypes. Therefore, extreme caution is required in the interpretation of interphase FISH results in MM, particularly in relation to certain abnormalities, such as 13q14 deletions, which have an impact on prognosis.

Adult↗

Cytogenetic and molecular investigations of Y chromosome sequences and their role in Turner syndrome.

It has been proposed that all live born females with Turner syndrome carry a cell line containing two sex chromosomes, which may be present at a low level of mosaicism (Hook & Warburton, 1983; Hassold et al. 1985; 1988; Connor & Loughlin, 1989). If the second sex chromosome is a Y, these patients are at risk of developing gonadoblastoma. In this study, 50 patients found to have a 45,X karyotype by conventional cytogenetic analysis, were screened by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), for the presence of Y chromosome sequences. Two patients were positive for six of the eight Y chromosome loci tested and additional cytogenetic analysis confirmed the presence of a marker chromosome, in 8% and 3% of cells respectively. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to confirm that the markers were of Y chromosome origin and helped to elucidate their structure. In addition, four other patients were found to have a Y chromosome by initial routine cytogenetic analysis. FISH, in conjunction with PCR, elucidated the structure of the Y chromosomes. This study illustrates the value of using a combination of cytogenetic and molecular techniques, to identify Y chromosome sequences in Turner syndrome.

Cytogenetics↗

Influence of cytogenetic abnormalities on outcome after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia in first complete remission.

Cytogenetic abnormalities detected at diagnosis are recognized as important in predicting response to chemotherapy in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, there is controversy concerning the prognostic significance of karyotype for outcome after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo-BMT) performed in first complete remission (CR1). This single-institution report describes allo-BMT for AML in CR1 and the effect of diagnostic cytogenetic findings on the results of that treatment. Between August 1981 and December 1999, 93 patients underwent related donor (n = 82) or unrelated donor (n = 11) BMT. Conditioning and GVHD prophylaxis were achieved predominantly with busulfan and cyclophosphamide and with cyclosporine and methotrexate, respectively. Seventy-nine (85%) of 93 patients had successful marrow karyotyping at diagnosis, and the patients were categorized into 3 prognostic groups based on the British Medical Research Council AML 10 trial classification: 15 patients(19%) were classified as having favorable risk [inv(16), t(8;2 1), t(15;17)]; 55 (70%) as having intermediate risk [no abnormality, +8, +21, +22, del(7q), del(9q), 11q23 rearrangement, and other numerical or structural abnormalities]; and 9 (11%) as having adverse risk [-5, del(5q), -7, 3q rearrangements, > or = 5 abnormalities, t(6;9), t(9;22)]. The median follow-up was 93 months (range, 16-241 months). The overall survival (OS) rate, event-free survival (EFS) rate, relapse rate, and treatment-related mortality (TRM) were not statistically different between the groups. The 5-year actuarial EFS rates for favorable, intermediate, and adverse risk groups were 58% (95% confidence interval [CI], 29%-79%), 58% (95% CI, 43%-70%), and 67% (95% CI 28%-88%), respectively. Reclassification of patients into cytogenetic prognostic subgroups according to Southwest Oncology Group criteria did not change these results. In univariate analysis, the only variable found to have a prognostic influence on OS (P = .04) and TRM (P = .03) was the type of donor (unrelated donor was linked to a worse prognosis), which was confirmed in multivariate analysis. Our study suggests that presentation karyotype has less prognostic significance for outcome following allo-BMT than for outcome following conventional chemotherapy. In particular, AML patients with poor prognostic cytogenetic changes in CR1 who are unlikely to be cured with chemotherapy alone may benefit from allo-BMT.

Acute Disease↗

A maximum likelihood algorithm for genome mapping of cytogenetic loci from meiotic configuration data.

Frequencies of meiotic configurations in cytogenetic stocks are dependent on chiasma frequencies in segments defined by centromeres, breakpoints, and telomeres. The expectation maximization algorithm is proposed as a general method to perform maximum likelihood estimations of the chiasma frequencies in the intervals between such locations. The estimates can be translated via mapping functions into genetic maps of cytogenetic landmarks. One set of observational data was analyzed to exemplify application of these methods, results of which were largely concordant with other comparable data. The method was also tested by Monte Carlo simulation of frequencies of meiotic configurations from a monotelodisomic translocation heterozygote, assuming six different sample sizes. The estimate averages were always close to the values given initially to the parameters. The maximum likelihood estimation procedures can be extended readily to other kinds of cytogenetic stocks and allow the pooling of diverse cytogenetic data to collectively estimate lengths of segments, arms, and chromosomes.

Algorithms↗

A comparative study on potential cytogenetic fingerprints for radiation LET in human lymphocytes.

PURPOSE: To carry out a comparative study on potential cytogenetic fingerprints for radiation LET in human metaphase lymphocytes. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Human lymphocytes were irradiated in vitro with 3.0 Gy 60Co gamma-rays, 0.9 Gy 3H beta-rays or 0.2 Gy 2.7 Mev neutrons. Detailed chromosome aberrations were analysed by combined FISH with pan-telomere staining and specific whole-chromosome painting (1, 2 and 4). Total chromosome translocations and insertions were also analysed by multicolour whole-chromosome painting (chromosomes 1, 2 and 4 orange, chromosomes 3, 5 and 6 green). RESULTS: Among the six proposed radiation cytogenetic fingerprints, the ratio of total simple translocations to insertions (I-ratio), showed the largest difference between low-LET 60Co gamma-ray and high-LET neutron radiation. The ratios of complete exchanges to incomplete rejoinings [S(I)-ratio] and dicentrics to interstitial deletions (H-ratio), showed a similar significant difference between low- and high-LET radiation. The ratios of centric rings to interstitial deletion (G-ratio) showed a trend of LET-related difference, but the difference was not significant in this data set. The ratios of dicentrics to centric rings (F-ratio) and apparent complete exchanges to hidden complete exchanges [S(II)-ratio], showed no difference between low- and high-LET radiation. In the 1426 radiation-induced chromosome aberrations observed after 52 h culture, evidence for sister-chromatid fusion but not telomere addition was found. CONCLUSION: Pan-telomere staining plus specific whole chromosome painting allows simultaneous and objective detection of complete or incomplete chromosome exchanges and interstitial or terminal deletions in human peripheral lymphocytes. Of the six proposed cytogenetic ratios, the I-ratio is the most effective cytogenetic fingerprint for distinguishing low-LET from high-LET radiation in human metaphase human lymphocytes.

Beta Particles↗

Isolated bone marrow involvement in diffuse large B cell lymphoma: a report of three cases with review of morphological, immunophenotypic and cytogenetic findings.

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBL) comprises a heterogenous entity characterized by the presence of large cells, exhibiting a mature B cell phenotype. The high proliferation rate and aggressive disease remain a therapeutic challenge, but the apparent biological diversity permits a risk-stratification model for prognostic grouping through the International Prognostic Index (IPI). Empirical to this approach is the consideration of cytogenetic data, offering an insight into the pathogenetic events which may underlie neoplastic clonal evolution and disease progression. We describe three cases of DLBL presenting with isolated marrow disease, a rare primary finding in this lymphoma. All three cases showed involvement of blood and bone marrow without evidence of splenic or lymph node involvement on imaging studies. Histological and immunophenotypic findings were similar in all three cases, outlining the phenotypic maturity of this disease. Cytogenetic analysis revealed complex karyotypes in the two cases examined. M-FISH (multicolour fluorescent in situ hybridization) performed on bone marrow from case 1 showed several cryptic translocations not evident on G-banding, including a novel translocation between 2p and 9p, and an unbalanced translocation between 14q and 11q. Cytogenetic analysis in case 2 showed abnormalities involving 7q, 9p at the site of the INK4a gene, and the bcl-2 locus, findings confirmed by M-FISH. These cases serve to highlight the biological and cytogenetic heterogenity of DLBL and emphasize the need for complementary investigations in the characterization of this entity.

Adult↗

Blast count and cytogenetics correlate and are useful parameters for the evaluation of different phases in chronic myeloid leukemia.

Staging of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) phases is based on cytomorphological criteria that vary considerably between different staging systems. Thus, staging of CML is heterogeneous and causes problems with respect to the comparison of therapeutical strategies and clinical outcome. We evaluated 59 patients with CML in different stages of the disease. In order to define which cytomorphological parameters correlate with cytogenetics we investigated cytomorphology and cytogenetics in parallel in all cases. As a result, bone marrow blast count demonstrated a highly significant correlation with the respective cytogenetic results of the patients and was clearly linked to the frequency and complexity of clonal evolution. We therefore propose to focus staging systems of CML on the correlation of the percentage of bone marrow blasts and the cytogenetic results.

Blast Crisis↗