Project description:This study was performed to provide a detailed understanding of the functions and pathways that intersect with the essential DNA replication factor RECQL4. Mutations in RECQL4 cause Rothmund-Thomson Syndrome (RTS), a familial cancer syndrome associated with early onset osteosarcoma in a high proportion of patients. Using murine RECQL4 mutations that closely map to recurrent human RTS mutations, we performed an unbiased genome-wide screen to identify genes that, when deleted, rescued the phenotypes associated with RECQL4 mutation.
Project description:This study was performed to provide a detailed understanding of the functions and pathways that intersect with the essential DNA replication factor RECQL4. Mutations in RECQL4 cause Rothmund-Thomson Syndrome (RTS), a familial cancer syndrome associated with early onset osteosarcoma in a high proportion of patients. Using murine RECQL4 mutations that closely map to recurrent human RTS mutations, we performed an unbiased genome-wide screen to identify genes that, when deleted, rescued the phenotypes associated with RECQL4 mutation.
Project description:We studied an Italian family with three NB patients, two siblings and one of their cousins carrying the R1192P mutation in the ALK gene (that has been found mutated in a fraction of familial NBs). However, because some individuals harboring mutations in this gene do not develop this tumor, additional genetic alterations appear to be required for NB pathogenesis. In this family, a comparison between somatic and germline DNA copy number changes in the two affected siblings and their relatives by an high resolution array-based Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) technique was performed.
Project description:<p>In this study we attempt to elucidate the genomic characteristics of osteosarcoma.</p> <p><b>Clinical characteristics</b><br/> 58 tumor / normal pairs from 58 patients were included in the study. Median age at diagnosis was 12 years. 49% of the patients were male and 47% had metastases at diagnosis. 5 year overall survival was 49% for the entire population, 33% for patients with metastatic disease and 64% for patients with localized disease. Patients with metastatic disease at diagnosis had a significantly worse overall survival. All cases except 2 were sporadic and no patients had stigmata of Rothmund-Thomson, Bloom's or Werner's syndromes or Paget's disease. Two familial cases were affected siblings from a family in which there were 2 unaffected parents and 2 unaffected siblings. None of the patients had known Li Fraumeni or hereditary retinoblastoma. </p> <p><b>Sample Selection and Clinical Data</b><br/> Samples were contributed by hospitals in Brazil, Spain, Mexico and the United States. All patients had histopathology confirmed to be osteosarcoma by a pathologist at the local institution. All but 5 tumor specimens sequenced were obtained pre-chemotherapy from the primary tumor at the time of diagnosis. 2 tumor specimens were obtained pre-chemotherapy from a metastatic tumor at the time of diagnosis. 3 tumor specimens were obtained post-chemotherapy from a metastatic tumor. </p>
Project description:The objective of the study is the provide proof of high correlation between somatic and germline mismatch repair instability. This correlation is specifically researched in an area where patients have less access to cancer education and genetic testing for various reasons such as lack of insurance and general accessibility.
The study concentrates on early diagnosis of Lynch syndrome. Lynch syndrome is usually diagnosed from a blood test resulting in a mutation of one of the mismatch repair genes. Those are MLH1, MSH2, MSH 6, PMS2. A mutation in one of these genes creates a mismatch repair instability,hence higher incidence of cancers in specific organ groups. Amongst these organs are the Uterus, Ovaries, Upper genitourinary system, Pancreas and GI system.
The most common endometrial carcinoma which is found in Lynch syndrome is of endometrioid histology. Most patients with known germline mismatch repair instability, have the same somatic mutation. Our study is looking into correlating somatic mutation to germline mutation.
By doing so, patients diagnosed with somatic mismatch repair instability will be also diagnosed with lynch syndrome without germline genetic testing.
Screening programs will be utilized earlier and preventive procedures offered.
Due to less access to educational programs, genetic counseling and testing in underserved areas, patients are sometimes lost to follow up. Our study seeks to prove high correlation between somatic and germline mutations and by doing so, patient will be diagnosed with Lynch syndrome straight after endometrial cancer staging. As a result, increased compliance will be expected and patients will be offered the recommended preventative surgeries and screening protocols.
Project description:Most cases of adult myeloid neoplasms are routinely assumed to be sporadic. Here, we describe an adult familial acute myeloid leukemia (AML) syndrome caused by germline mutations in the DEAD/H-Box helicase gene DDX41. DDX41 was also found to be affected by somatic mutations in sporadic cases of myeloid neoplasms as well as in a biallelic fashion in 50% of patients with germline DDX41 mutations. Moreover, corresponding deletions on 5q35.3 present in 6% of cases lead to haploinsufficient DDX41 expression. DDX41 lesions caused altered pre-mRNA splicing and RNA processing. DDX41 is exemplary of other RNA helicase genes also affected by somatic mutations, suggesting that they constitute a family of tumor suppressor genes. Affymetrix SNP arrays were performed according to the manufacturer's directions on DNA extracted from cryopreserved diagnostic bone marrow or peripheral blood samples.
Project description:Most cases of adult myeloid neoplasms are routinely assumed to be sporadic. Here, we describe an adult familial acute myeloid leukemia (AML) syndrome caused by germline mutations in the DEAD/H-Box helicase gene DDX41. DDX41 was also found to be affected by somatic mutations in sporadic cases of myeloid neoplasms as well as in a biallelic fashion in 50% of patients with germline DDX41 mutations. Moreover, corresponding deletions on 5q35.3 present in 6% of cases lead to haploinsufficient DDX41 expression. DDX41 lesions caused altered pre-mRNA splicing and RNA processing. DDX41 is exemplary of other RNA helicase genes also affected by somatic mutations, suggesting that they constitute a family of tumor suppressor genes.
Project description:Germline heterozygous GATA2 mutations cause GATA2 deficiency, a complex disorder characterized by bone marrow failure, immunodeficiency, and a high risk of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The disease evolves variably among patients, leading to anxiety for families. Due to phenotypic diversity and clinical overlap, timely diagnosis is often challenging. GATA2 carriers exhibit variable expressivity, with some developing early-onset MDS while others remain asymptomatic, suggesting that genetic and epigenetic factors influence disease progression. While advances in diagnostics through whole-exome sequencing (WES) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) have been made, few epigenetic studies have focused on GATA-related MDS. We present a familial case of four GATA2 carriers, two of whom are asymptomatic and two have developed MDS. Notably, we conducted a longitudinal epigenome analysis of one patient, tracking progression from asymptomatic to MDS, providing key insights with potential clinical applications
Project description:Germline heterozygous GATA2 mutations cause GATA2 deficiency, a complex disorder characterized by bone marrow failure, immunodeficiency, and a high risk of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The disease evolves variably among patients, leading to anxiety for families. Due to phenotypic diversity and clinical overlap, timely diagnosis is often challenging. GATA2 carriers exhibit variable expressivity, with some developing early-onset MDS while others remain asymptomatic, suggesting that genetic and epigenetic factors influence disease progression. While advances in diagnostics through whole-exome sequencing (WES) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) have been made, few epigenetic studies have focused on GATA-related MDS. We present a familial case of four GATA2 carriers, two of whom are asymptomatic and two have developed MDS. Notably, we conducted a longitudinal epigenome analysis of one patient, tracking progression from asymptomatic to MDS, providing key insights with potential clinical applications
Project description:Familial pheochromocytoma (PCC) has been associated with germline mutations in 14 genes. Here we investigated three siblings, who presented with (metastatic) bilateral pheochromocytomas, renal oncocytoma, and erythrocytosis. By SNP-array on one patient’s germline DNA a large complex genomic alteration was identified encompassing the intragenic and promoter regions of Myc-Associated Factor X (MAX) and alpha-(1,6)-fucosyltransferase (FUT8). The alteration was confirmed in all patients, as well as loss of the wild type MAX and FUT8 alleles and corresponding loss of protein expression. Uniparental disomy of chromosome 14q, previously demonstrated as a hallmark for MAX-related PCC, was also shown in the index patient by SNP-array. Our results indicate that large genomic deletions of MAX should be considered in familial and bilateral PCC with prior negative testing for gene mutations. In addition, MAX appears to be a new tumor suppressor gene for renal oncocytomas. SNP array was performed for 2 samples: 1 tumor DNA sample and 1 corresponding germline DNA sample