Project description:Intraindividual copy number variations (CNVs) happen post-zygotically, however their origin is largely unknown. They might appear either through aging or may resist following the common chromosome instability at the preimplantation stage. To uncover a part of this question we investigated fetal mosaicism and its origin. According to distribution pattern of frequent CNVs in derivatives of different germ layers, their origin is early development including preimplantation, whereas CNVs with low frequency occur in later stages. Both fetuses share CNVs, some in the same tissues and some other in different tissues. Functional analysis showed that altered genes were involved in embryonic development pathways. Each organ inherits CNVs with an unpredictable pattern due to extensive cell mixing/migration in embryonic development. Since we have found frequent intraindividual reciprocal CNVs as events with preimplantation origin in both fetuses, mosaic embryo transfer should be performed with caution because it may increase susceptibility to develop early/late onset diseases with genetic component even though recent reports seems to encourage IVF clinics for mosaic embryo transfer.
Project description:The absolute number of rDNA transcription units can vary by about one power of ten among individuals. Apart from extensive rDNA copy number (CN) variation and instability in many cancers, there is little information on the extent of intraindividual CN variation between normal s. Here we used droplet digital PCR and deep bisulfite sequencing to determine both the absolute rDNA CN and the number of presumably active CN with a hypomethylated (0-10%) promoter region in up to six different s of 13 autopsy probands. In general, the absolute rDNA CN as well as the frequency of the minor A variant were highly similar between s (cerebellum, cerebrum, colon, heart, intestine, kidney, and liver liver and spleen) of the same individual. However, in some probands absolute CN in one or multiple s was much higher than in the other s., consistent with relaxation/breakdown of the CN control system. The amplified copies were inactivated by promoter methylation and, thus, the number of active CN was largely independent from absolute CN. Collectively, our data suggest that with some notable exceptions absolute and even more active rDNA CN are maintained during development and differentiation in different s of the same individual. Despite the low intraindividual variation active CN appeared to systematically vary between s. Cerebellum, which is characterized by the highest density of non-dividing neuronal cells in the body, consistently exhibited lower active CN than other s. We estimate that a minimum number of > 50 active rDNA TU is required for normal /organ function.
Project description:Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) in prenatal diagnosis detects copy number variations (CNVs) in many fetuses; however, the low penetrance and phenotypic diversity of CNVs complicate genetic counseling, resulting in limited understanding of intrauterine ultrasound phenotypes linked to CNVs. In a retrospective analysis of 25,000 cases at Fujian Maternal and Child Health Hospital, 18,000 pregnant women underwent SNP array testing (December 2015 to June 2023).
Project description:Prostate cancer is characterized as being histologically and molecularly heterogeneous. Additionally, epigenetic changes play an important role in regulating the progression of prostate cancer. However, epigenetic intraindividual heterogeneity is largely unknown in advanced prostate cancer. Hence, the epigenetic profiles of advanced prostate cancer, including autopsy cases, were investigated.
Project description:Prostate cancer is characterized as being histologically and molecularly heterogeneous. Additionally, epigenetic changes play an important role in regulating the progression of prostate cancer. However, epigenetic intraindividual heterogeneity is largely unknown in advanced prostate cancer. Hence, the epigenetic profiles of advanced prostate cancer, including autopsy cases, were investigated.
Project description:Prostate cancer is characterized as being histologically and molecularly heterogeneous. Additionally, epigenetic changes play an important role in regulating the progression of prostate cancer. However, epigenetic intraindividual heterogeneity is largely unknown in advanced prostate cancer. Hence, the epigenetic profiles of advanced prostate cancer, including autopsy cases, were investigated.
Project description:Prostate cancer is characterized as being histologically and molecularly heterogeneous. Additionally, epigenetic changes play an important role in regulating the progression of prostate cancer. However, epigenetic intraindividual heterogeneity is largely unknown in advanced prostate cancer. Hence, the epigenetic profiles of advanced prostate cancer, including autopsy cases, were investigated.