Cell-free DNA levels of twins and sibling pairs indicate individuality and possible use as a personalized biomarker.

ABSTRACT: Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in the human blood circulation has been under investigation since its initial observation in 1948. Plasma cfDNA is known to be significantly elevated in diseased people. Due to possible variation in the population, evaluating cfDNA as a non-invasive biomarker at disease onset alone may not be sensitive enough to accurately diagnose diseases, particularly early stage cancers on a personal level. To understand the factors that define the cfDNA levels on the personal level and for better use as a non-invasive biomarker, we isolated cfDNA from the plasma of healthy individuals with varying degrees of genetic and/or environmental similarities (monozygotic twins, dizygotic twins, sibling pairs, and unrelated individuals) as well as from patients with varying stages of breas

SUBMITTER: Alghofaili L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6786590 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature