1. |
- Abel, Frida, 1974, et al.
(author)
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Analyses of apoptotic regulators CASP9 and DFFA at 1P36.2, reveal rare allele variants in human neuroblastoma tumours.
- 2002
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In: British journal of cancer. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0007-0920 .- 1532-1827. ; 86:4, s. 596-604
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The genes encoding Caspase-9 and DFF45 have both recently been mapped to chromosome region 1p36.2, that is a region alleged to involve one or several tumour suppressor genes in neuroblastoma tumours. This study presents an update contig of the 'Smallest Region of Overlap of deletions' in Scandinavian neuroblastoma tumours and suggests that DFF45 is localized in the region. The genomic organization of the human DFF45 gene, deduced by in-silico comparisons of DNA sequences, is described for the first time in this paper. In the present study 44 primary tumours were screened for mutation by analysis of the genomic sequences of the genes. In two out of the 44 tumours this detected in the DFFA gene one rare allele variant that caused a non-polar to a polar amino acid exchange in a preserved hydrophobic patch of DFF45. One case was hemizygous due to deletion of the more common allele of this polymorphism. Out of 194 normal control alleles only one was found to carry this variant allele, so in respect of it, no healthy control individual out of 97 was homozygous. Moreover, our RT-PCR expression studies showed that DFF45 is preferably expressed in low-stage neuroblastoma tumours and to a lesser degree in high-stage neuroblastomas. We conclude that although coding mutations of Caspase-9 and DFF45 are infrequent in neuroblastoma tumours, our discovery of a rare allele in two neuroblastoma cases should be taken to warrant further studies of the role of DFF45 in neuroblastoma genetics.
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2. |
- Abel, Frida, 1974, et al.
(author)
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Mutations in the N-terminal domain of DFF45 in a primary germ cell tumor and in neuroblastoma tumors.
- 2004
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In: International journal of oncology. - 1019-6439 .- 1791-2423. ; 25:5, s. 1297-302
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- DFF45 has essential functions in the final stage of apoptosis by acting both as a folding chaperone and a DNase inhibitor of DFF40. The gene encoding DFF45 (DFFA) maps to the consensus deleted region in primary neuroblastoma (NB; 1p36.2-3) and within the homozygously deleted region in an NB cell line (1p36.2). DFF45 is therefore an attractive candidate NB tumor suppressor. In a previous study we found a rare allele variant, causing a non-polar to a polar amino acid exchange (Ile69Thr) in a preserved hydrophobic patch of DFF45, and we also found DFFA to be preferentially expressed in favorable NB tumors. We have extended the previous study and performed mutation analyses in another 56 NB tumors (100 in total) as well as a set of other tumors for coding mutations in DFFA. We have also performed studies of the DFFA expression in tumors using real-time PCR. We found a missense mutation (Ile15Met) in the remaining allele of a teratoma with heterozygous deletion of 1p, and a three base-pair deletion in an NB of unknown stage causing a deletion of amino acid 37 in DFF45. The one-base substitution detected in the teratoma was not present in the patients constitutional DNA, i.e. it is a true mutation present in the tumor DNA only. In conclusion, three different coding alterations have been found in the region encoding the N-terminal regulatory domain of DFF45, responsible for binding and achieving its chaperone and inhibitor functions on other proteins. Moreover, by real-time RT-PCR expression study, we found the mRNA level of DFFA to be significantly (p=0.038) reduced by a factor of 1.7 times in NB tumors of unfavorable outcome.
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3. |
- Astuti, D, et al.
(author)
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Investigation of the role of SDHB inactivation in sporadic phaeochromocytoma and neuroblastoma.
- 2004
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In: British journal of cancer. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0007-0920 .- 1532-1827. ; 91:10, s. 1835-41
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Germline mutations in the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) (mitochondrial respiratory chain complex II) subunit B gene, SDHB, cause susceptibility to head and neck paraganglioma and phaeochromocytoma. Previously, we did not identify somatic SDHB mutations in sporadic phaeochromocytoma, but SDHB maps to 1p36, a region of frequent loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in neuroblastoma as well. Hence, to evaluate SDHB as a candidate neuroblastoma tumour suppressor gene (TSG) we performed mutation analysis in 46 primary neuroblastomas by direct sequencing, but did not identify germline or somatic SDHB mutations. As TSGs such as RASSF1A are frequently inactivated by promoter region hypermethylation, we designed a methylation-sensitive PCR-based assay to detect SDHB promoter region methylation. In 21% of primary neuroblastomas and 32% of phaeochromocytomas (32%) methylated (and unmethylated) alleles were detected. Although promoter region methylation was also detected in two neuroblastoma cell lines, this was not associated with silencing of SDHB expression, and treatment with a demethylating agent (5-azacytidine) did not increase SDH activity. These findings suggest that although germline SDHB mutations are an important cause of phaeochromocytoma susceptibility, somatic inactivation of SDHB does not have a major role in sporadic neural crest tumours and SDHB is not the target of 1p36 allele loss in neuroblastoma and phaeochromocytoma.
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4. |
- Astuti, D, et al.
(author)
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SLIT2 promoter methylation analysis in neuroblastoma, Wilms' tumour and renal cell carcinoma.
- 2004
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In: British journal of cancer. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0007-0920 .- 1532-1827. ; 90:2, s. 515-21
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The 3p21.3 RASSF1A tumour suppressor gene (TSG) provides a paradigm for TSGs inactivated by promoter methylation rather than somatic mutations. Recently, we identified frequent promoter methylation without somatic mutations of SLIT2 in lung and breast cancers, suggesting similarities between SLIT2 and RASSF1A TSGs. Epigenetic inactivation of RASSF1A was first described in lung and breast cancers and subsequently in a wide range of human cancers including neuroblastoma, Wilms' tumour and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). These findings prompted us to investigate SLIT2 methylation in these three human cancers. We analysed 49 neuroblastomas (NBs), 37 Wilms' tumours and 48 RCC, and detected SLIT2 promoter methylation in 29% of NB, 38% of Wilms' tumours and 25% of RCC. Previously, we had demonstrated frequent RASSF1A methylation in the same tumour series and frequent CASP8 methylation in the NB and Wilms' tumour samples. However, there was no significant association between SLIT2 promoter methylation and RASSF1A or CASP8 methylation in NB and RCC. In Wilms' tumour, there was a trend for a negative association between RASSF1A and SLIT2 methylation, although this did not reach statistical significance. No associations were detected between SLIT2 promoter methylation and specific clinicopathological features in the tumours analysed. These findings implicate SLIT2 promoter methylation in the pathogenesis of both paediatric and adult cancers and suggest that further investigations of SLIT2 in other tumour types should be pursued. However, epigenetic inactivation of SLIT2 is less frequent than RASSF1A in the tumour types analysed.
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5. |
- Benson, Mikael, 1954, et al.
(author)
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DNA microarray analysis of chromosomal susceptibility regions to identify candidate genes for allergic disease: A pilot study
- 2004
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In: Acta Oto-Laryngologica. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1651-2251 .- 0001-6489. ; 124:7, s. 813-819
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective-To examine whether DNA microarray analysis of chromosomal susceptibility regions for allergy can help to identify candidate genes. Material and Methods-Nasal biopsies were obtained from 23 patients with allergic rhinitis and 12 healthy controls. RNA was extracted from the biopsies and pooled into three patient and three control pools. These were then analysed in duplicate with DNA microarrays containing 12626 genes. Candidate genes were further examined in nasal biopsies (real-time polymerase chain reaction) and blood samples (single nucleotide polymorphisms) from other patients with allergic rhinitis and from controls. Results-A total of 37 differentially expressed genes were identified according to criteria involving both the size and consistency of the gene expression levels. The chromosomal location of these genes was compared with the chromosomal susceptibility regions for allergic disease. Using a statistical method, five genes were identified in these regions, including serine protease inhibitor, Kazal type, 5 (SPINK5) and HLA-DRB2. The relevance of these genes was examined in other patients with allergic rhinitis and in controls; none of the genes were differentially expressed in nasal biopsies. Moreover, no association between allergic rhinitis and SPINK5 polymorphisms was found, at either the genotype or haplotype level. Conclusions-DNA microarray analysis of chromosomal susceptibility regions did not lead to identification of candidate genes that could be validated in a new material. However, because gene polymorphisms may cause differential gene expression, further studies, including validation data, are needed to examine this approach.
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6. |
- Bergman, Annika, et al.
(author)
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The western Swedish BRCA1 founder mutation 3171ins5; a 3.7 cM conserved haplotype of today is a reminiscence of a 1500-year-old mutation
- 2001
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In: European Journal of Human Genetics. - : Nature Publishing Group. - 1018-4813 .- 1476-5438. ; 9:10, s. 787-793
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The most recurrent BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation in Sweden is the BRCA1 mutation 3171ins5. In the western part of Sweden this mutation accounts for as much as 77% of identified mutations in these two genes. Our aim was to analyse in detail the haplotype and founder effects of the 3171ins5 and furthermore attempt to estimate the time of origin of the mutation. In the study we included eighteen apparently unrelated families with hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer. At least one individual in each family had previously tested positive for the 3171ins5 mutation. Polymorphic microsatellite markers were used for the haplotype analyses. The markers were located within or flanking the BRCA1 gene spanning a region of 17.3 cΜ. We found several different haplotypes both for disease alleles and for the normal alleles. However, a conserved haplotype of 3.7 cΜ was observed in the 3171ins5 carriers spanning over four markers located within or very close to the BRCA1 gene. As this haplotype was not present in any of the normal controls it is highly likely that this is a mutation identical by descent, i.e. a true founder. The results from the haplotype analyses were used to estimate the age of the mutation. Estimations based on the Pexcess and linkage disequilibrium gives a first appearance of the mutation sometime around the 6th century, approximately 50 generations ago.
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7. |
- Bjursell, Cecilia, 1971, et al.
(author)
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PMM2 mutation spectrum, including 10 novel mutations, in a large CDG type 1A family material with a focus on Scandinavian families.
- 2000
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In: Human mutation. - 1098-1004 .- 1059-7794. ; 16:5, s. 395-400
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Carbohydrate-deficient glycoprotein syndrome type IA (CDG IA) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized clinically by severe involvement of the central and peripheral nervous system, and biochemically by complex defects in carbohydrate residues in a number of serum glycoproteins. CDG IA is caused by mutations in the PMM2 gene located in chromosome region 16p13. In this study, 61 CDG type IA patients (122 chromosomes) were screened for mutations in the PMM2 gene using a combination of SSCP and sequence analysis. More than 95% of the mutations could be detected. All of them were missense mutations. Mutations 422G>A and 357C>A were strikingly more common in the material and comprised 58% of mutations detected. Of the 20 mutations found, 10 were not reported previously. Seven mutations, e.g. 26G>A (five alleles) and 548T>C (seven alleles), were found only in Scandinavian families. The most common genotype was 357C>A/422G>A (36%). Three patients were homozygous, 357C>A/357C>A (two cases), and 548T>C/548T>C (one case). No patients homozygous for the most common mutation 422G>A were detected. The different mutations were clustered e.g., in that most were located in exon 5 (five) and exon 8 (six), while no mutation was detected in exon 2. When the frequencies of each mutation were included, exon 5 comprised 61% (65 chromosomes) of the mutations; in Scandinavian patients the frequency of these mutations was 72%. Thus, analysis of exon five in these patients enables both reliable and time-saving first screening in prenatal diagnostic cases. This could be followed by a second step of additional strategies for the detection of other mutations.
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8. |
- Björk, Jan, et al.
(author)
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Periampullary adenomas and adenocarcinomas in familial adenomatous polyposis : Cumulative risks and APC gene Mutations
- 2001
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In: Gastroenterology. - : Elsevier. - 0016-5085 .- 1528-0012. ; 121:5, s. 1127-1135
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background & Aims: Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) have a high prevalence of duodenal adenomas, and the region of the ampulla of rater is the predilection site for duodenal adenocarcinomas. This study assessed the risk of stage IV periampullary adenomas according to the Spigelman classification and periampullary adenocarcinomas in Swedish FAP patients screened by esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The genotype of patients with stage IV periampullary adenomas and periampullary adenocarcinomas was also investigated. Methods: A retrospective study of 180 patients screened by EGD in 1982-1999 was undertaken. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to evaluate cumulative risk. Mutation analysis was carried out in patients with periampullary adenocarcinomas diagnosed outside the screening program, in addition to patients in the screening group with stage IV periampullary adenomas and adenocarcinomas. Results: Periampullary adenoma stage IV was diagnosed in 14 patients (7.8%), with a cumulative risk of 20% at age 60 years. Periampullary adenocarcinoma was diagnosed in 5 patients (2.8%), with a cumulative risk of 10% at age 60. Three of the adenocarcinomas occurred in patients with stage IV periampullary adenomas compared with 2 in patients with less severe periampullary adenomatosis at screening (odds ratio, 31; 95% confidence interval, 4.6-215). Fifteen (88%) of the APC gene mutations were detected; 12 of these were located downstream from codon 1051 in exon 15. Conclusions: The life time risk of severe periampullary lesions in FAP patients is high, and an association between stage IV periampullary adenomas and a malignant course of the periampullary adenomatosis is strongly suggestive. Mutations downstream from codon 1051 seem to be associated with severe periampullary lesions.
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9. |
- Edsjö, Anders, et al.
(author)
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Expression of trkB in Human Neuroblastoma in Relation to MYCN Expression and Retinoic Acid Treatment.
- 2003
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In: Laboratory Investigation. - 1530-0307. ; 83:6, s. 813-823
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Expression of full-length trkB can be found in some highly malignant neuroblastoma tumors with an amplified MYCN gene. This contrasts sympathetic neuroblasts, from which neuroblastomas are thought to arise, which neither express trkB nor are dependent on the p145trkB ligands, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) or neurotrophin-4/5, for their normal development. In this study we show that trkB was expressed in two out of five neuroblastoma tumors with amplified MYCN, while no trkB expression was observed when the MYCN gene was overexpressed in a non–MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cell line. This shows that MYCN overexpression per se is not sufficient to induce trkB expression. trkB expression and BDNF responsiveness in neuroblastoma cells can be induced by all-trans-retinoic acid (RA). When SH-SY5Y cells were stimulated with a combination of RA and BDNF, norepinephrine and tyrosine hydroxylase levels were unaltered, showing that the cells did not change toward a more catecholaminergic sympathetic phenotype. However, expression of growth-associated protein 43, indicative of a neuronal phenotype, was elevated. Vesicular acetylcholine transporter, choline acetyl transferase, and neuropeptide tyrosine mRNA levels also increased in RA-BDNF–treated cells, which could suggest that these cells develop into a sympathetic cholinergic phenotype. In addition, treatment with RA-induced expression of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor-alpha. As previously shown for BDNF, platelet-derived growth factor stimulated growth of the RA-treated cells, findings that could have clinical relevance. If these receptors mediate a mitogenic signal in vivo also, this might limit the effect of RA treatment on neuroblastoma patients.
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10. |
- Ejeskär, Katarina, 1969, et al.
(author)
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Fine mapping of a tumour suppressor candidate gene region in 1p36.2-3, commonly deleted in neuroblastomas and germ cell tumours.
- 2001
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In: Medical and pediatric oncology. - 0098-1532 .- 1096-911X. ; 36:1, s. 61-6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: A common genetic feature of neuroblastomas, which is also an important prognostic factor, is deletion of chromosome region 1p. The deletion of 1p often involves a deletion of varying size, with a consensus region within the most distal bands 1p36.2-3. The neuroblastoma SRO (shortest region of overlap of (deletions) presented earlier by our group was defined distally by the cluster of loci D1S80/ D1Z2/CDC2L1 and proximally by loci D1S244, i.e., approximately 25 cM. The 1p deletions are, however, not restricted to neuroblastoma tumours. In fact, a large spectrum of tumour types display deletions to varying degrees of 1p. PROCEDURE: We have exploited the possibility of using deletions of other tumour types, preferentially that of germ cell tumours, and combining the deletions with that of the neuroblastoma SRO. Also in germ cell tumours, distal 1p-deletions have been shown to have prognostic significance. RESULTS: We found in our germ cell tumours a SRO ranging from D1S508 to D1S200. Interestingly, this region only partially overlapped (approximately 5 cm) with our neuroblastoma SRO in region D1S508 to D1S244. We have thus focused on analysing this smaller region in the search for genes involved in the genesis of different cancers. We have performed radiation hybrid mapping of a large number of markers, STSs, ESTs, and others known to reside in 1p. We have also initiated the development of a BAC contig of the region. FISH, and fibre-FISH mapping of BACs were also performed. CONCLUSIONS: The data presented here constitute an ongoing work with the aim of identifying and cloning gene(s) important for development of germ cell tumours, neuroblastomas, and possibly other tumours.
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