Project description:We report a detailed characterization of the HPV16 genome in two brain metastases from OPSCC tumors. The use of a target enrichment strategy followed by next generation sequencing (NGS) provided an effective way to identify viral infection in tumor genome, including internal deletions and insertion sites into the host genome. Applying similar strategies to a larger cohort of HPV+ HNSCC brain metastases could help to identify biomarkers that can predict metastasis and/or identify novel therapeutic options.
Project description:Most proteogenomic approaches for mapping single amino acid polymorphisms (SAPs) require construction of a sample-specific database containing protein variants predicted from the next-generation sequencing (NGS) data. We present a new strategy for direct SAP detection without relying on NGS data. Among the 348 putative SAP peptides identified in an industrial yeast strain, 85.6% of SAP sites were validated by genomic sequencing.
Project description:Classical-like Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (clEDS) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by complete absence of tenascin-X resulting from biallelic variation in TNXB. Accurate detection of TNXB variants is challenging because of the presence of the pseudogene TNXA, which can undergo non-allelic homologous recombination. Therefore, we designed a genetic screening system that is performed using similar operations to other next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel analyses and can be applied to accurately detect TNXB variants and the recombination of TNXA-derived sequences into TNXB. We also analyzed the levels of serum form of TNX (sTNX) by Western bot and LC/MS/MS. Using this system, we identified biallelic TNXB variants in nine unrelated clEDS patients. This report is the first to apply an NGS-based screening for TNXB variants and represents the third largest cohort of clEDS.
Project description:Copy number alterations (CNAs) play a fundamental role in cancer development and constitute a potential tool for tailored treatments. The CNAs recognition in formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) material, to date, relies on fluorescence in situ hybridization, but the introduction of large-scale next-generation sequencing (NGS) has dramatically improved their discovery at genome-wide level. The detection of CNAs by NGS in FFPE material is, nonetheless, a complex issue, which still requires validation studies. Herein, the CNAs detection by a widely used NGS assay (Oncomine Comprehensive Assay plus®, OCA+) were evaluated in 14 FFPE samples mirroring diagnostic daily practice and compared to a whole-genome assay. OCA+, a targeted DNA panel, showed lower CNAs detection sensitivity and equal specificity for gains and losses. According to proprietary software pipeline, OCA+ accurately identify gains characterized by CN ≥5,2. A much less robust threshold (CN ≤1.18) was identified that maximized the difference between true and false positive losses. Orthogonal FISH tests validated seven CNAs characterized by CN gain ≥6 or complete loss. Considering the CNAs growing significance in precision medicine, our findings further prompt towards a robust validation of NGS detection in FFPE materials.