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Abstract
This review delves into the rapidly evolving landscape of liquid biopsy technologies based on cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and cell-free RNA (cfRNA) and their increasingly prominent role in precision medicine. With the advent of high-throughput DNA sequencing, the use of cfDNA and cfRNA has revolutionized noninvasive clinical testing. Here, we explore the physical characteristics of cfDNA and cfRNA, present an overview of the essential engineering tools used by the field, and highlight clinical applications, including noninvasive prenatal testing, cancer testing, organ transplantation surveillance, and infectious disease testing. Finally, we discuss emerging technologies and the broadening scope of liquid biopsies to new areas of diagnostic medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor Loy
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA;
| | - Lauren Ahmann
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA;
| | - Iwijn De Vlaminck
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA;
| | - Wei Gu
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA;
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2
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Liu X, Yang M, Hu D, An Y, Wang W, Lin H, Pan Y, Ju J, Sun K. Systematic biases in reference-based plasma cell-free DNA fragmentomic profiling. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2024; 4:100793. [PMID: 38866008 PMCID: PMC11228372 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2024.100793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragmentation patterns are emerging directions in cancer liquid biopsy with high translational significance. Conventionally, the cfDNA sequencing reads are aligned to a reference genome to extract their fragmentomic features. In this study, through cfDNA fragmentomics profiling using different reference genomes on the same datasets in parallel, we report systematic biases in such conventional reference-based approaches. The biases in cfDNA fragmentomic features vary among races in a sample-dependent manner and therefore might adversely affect the performances of cancer diagnosis assays across multiple clinical centers. In addition, to circumvent the analytical biases, we develop Freefly, a reference-free approach for cfDNA fragmentomics profiling. Freefly runs ∼60-fold faster than the conventional reference-based approach while generating highly consistent results. Moreover, cfDNA fragmentomic features reported by Freefly can be directly used for cancer diagnosis. Hence, Freefly possesses translational merit toward the rapid and unbiased measurement of cfDNA fragmentomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Liu
- Institute of Cancer Research, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, China
| | - Mengqi Yang
- Institute of Cancer Research, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, China; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Dingxue Hu
- Institute of Cancer Research, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, China; Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Yunyun An
- Institute of Cancer Research, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, China
| | - Wanqiu Wang
- Institute of Cancer Research, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, China; Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Huizhen Lin
- Institute of Cancer Research, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, China
| | - Yuqi Pan
- Institute of Cancer Research, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, China; Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jia Ju
- Institute of Cancer Research, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, China; Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Kun Sun
- Institute of Cancer Research, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, China.
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3
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Hou Y, Meng XY, Zhou X. Systematically Evaluating Cell-Free DNA Fragmentation Patterns for Cancer Diagnosis and Enhanced Cancer Detection via Integrating Multiple Fragmentation Patterns. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2308243. [PMID: 38881520 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragmentation patterns have immense potential for early cancer detection. However, the definition of fragmentation varies, ranging from the entire genome to specific genomic regions. These patterns have not been systematically compared, impeding broader research and practical implementation. Here, 1382 plasma cfDNA sequencing samples from 8 cancer types are collected. Considering that cfDNA within open chromatin regions is more susceptible to fragmentation, 10 fragmentation patterns within open chromatin regions as features and employed machine learning techniques to evaluate their performance are examined. All fragmentation patterns demonstrated discernible classification capabilities, with the end motif showing the highest diagnostic value for cross-validation. Combining cross and independent validation results revealed that fragmentation patterns that incorporated both fragment length and coverage information exhibited robust predictive capacities. Despite their diagnostic potential, the predictive power of these fragmentation patterns is unstable. To address this limitation, an ensemble classifier via integrating all fragmentation patterns is developed, which demonstrated notable improvements in cancer detection and tissue-of-origin determination. Further functional bioinformatics investigations on significant feature intervals in the model revealed its impressive ability to identify critical regulatory regions involved in cancer pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Hou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Meng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Health Science Center, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, 445000, China
- Hubei Provincial Clinical Medical Research Center for Nephropathy, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, 445000, China
| | - Xionghui Zhou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
- Key Laboratory of Smart Farming for Agricultural Animals, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Wuhan, 430070, China
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4
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Emantoko Dwi Putra S, Martriano Humardani F, Antonius Y, Jonathan J, Thalia Mulyanata L. Epigenetics of Diabetes: A bioinformatic approach. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 557:117856. [PMID: 38490340 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.117856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
The adaptability of epigenetics offers a compelling research avenue, notably in the context of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) biomarkers and provides a nuanced approach to managing biological systems for diagnosis. However, challenges such as DNA degradation during methylation studies are prominent, especially with cell-free DNA (cfDNA) which is present in small quantities in plasma, calling for innovative solutions. To tackle these challenges, four methodological approaches have been identified: firstly, selecting an appropriate DNA extraction method and enhancing DNA yield through amplification; secondly, adapting bisulfite modification techniques to minimize DNA degradation; thirdly, utilizing tools capable of working with minimal DNA quantities; and lastly, employing bisulfite-free methylation techniques. A particularly promising approach is the use of Methylated CpG Tandem Amplification and Sequencing (MCTA-Seq) combined with fragmentation analysis. MCTA-Seq, especially when targeting the CGCGCGG motif sequence associated with T2DM, is an underexplored area. In addressing the dearth of the exploration, our in-silico analysis identified 66 genes with the CGCGCGG motif sequence that contribute to the pathophysiology of T2DM. Further analysis revealed five potential target genes for T2DM screening: EP300, SRC, PPARG, CREBBP, and NCOR2. The method can also be integrated into fragment analysis, notable for its ability to differentiate between long and short DNA segments effectively. Such a distinction is a valuable asset in future diagnostic methodologies, particularly relevant in the analysis of cfDNA, where high precision and sensitivity are essential. However, it is crucial to validate these genes with clinical studies to confirm their relevance and effectiveness in T2DM diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Farizky Martriano Humardani
- Bioinformatics Research Center, Malang 65162, Indonesia; Magister in Biomedical Science Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang 65112, Indonesia.
| | - Yulanda Antonius
- Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Surabaya, Surabaya 60292, Indonesia.
| | - Jonathan Jonathan
- Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Surabaya, Surabaya 60292, Indonesia.
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5
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Liu Y, Reed SC, Lo C, Choudhury AD, Parsons HA, Stover DG, Ha G, Gydush G, Rhoades J, Rotem D, Freeman S, Katz DW, Bandaru R, Zheng H, Fu H, Adalsteinsson VA, Kellis M. FinaleMe: Predicting DNA methylation by the fragmentation patterns of plasma cell-free DNA. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2790. [PMID: 38555308 PMCID: PMC10981715 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47196-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Analysis of DNA methylation in cell-free DNA reveals clinically relevant biomarkers but requires specialized protocols such as whole-genome bisulfite sequencing. Meanwhile, millions of cell-free DNA samples are being profiled by whole-genome sequencing. Here, we develop FinaleMe, a non-homogeneous Hidden Markov Model, to predict DNA methylation of cell-free DNA and, therefore, tissues-of-origin, directly from plasma whole-genome sequencing. We validate the performance with 80 pairs of deep and shallow-coverage whole-genome sequencing and whole-genome bisulfite sequencing data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
- University of Cincinnati Center for Environmental Genetics, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
- University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
| | - Sarah C Reed
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Christopher Lo
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Atish D Choudhury
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Gavin Ha
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Gregory Gydush
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Justin Rhoades
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Denisse Rotem
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Samuel Freeman
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - David W Katz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Ravi Bandaru
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Haizi Zheng
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Hailu Fu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | | | - Manolis Kellis
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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6
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Ermini L, Driguez P. The Application of Long-Read Sequencing to Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1275. [PMID: 38610953 PMCID: PMC11011098 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a multifaceted disease arising from numerous genomic aberrations that have been identified as a result of advancements in sequencing technologies. While next-generation sequencing (NGS), which uses short reads, has transformed cancer research and diagnostics, it is limited by read length. Third-generation sequencing (TGS), led by the Pacific Biosciences and Oxford Nanopore Technologies platforms, employs long-read sequences, which have marked a paradigm shift in cancer research. Cancer genomes often harbour complex events, and TGS, with its ability to span large genomic regions, has facilitated their characterisation, providing a better understanding of how complex rearrangements affect cancer initiation and progression. TGS has also characterised the entire transcriptome of various cancers, revealing cancer-associated isoforms that could serve as biomarkers or therapeutic targets. Furthermore, TGS has advanced cancer research by improving genome assemblies, detecting complex variants, and providing a more complete picture of transcriptomes and epigenomes. This review focuses on TGS and its growing role in cancer research. We investigate its advantages and limitations, providing a rigorous scientific analysis of its use in detecting previously hidden aberrations missed by NGS. This promising technology holds immense potential for both research and clinical applications, with far-reaching implications for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Ermini
- NORLUX Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, L-1210 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Patrick Driguez
- Bioscience Core Lab, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
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7
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Zhang H, Liu L, Li M. Mini-review of DNA Methylation Detection Techniques and Their Potential Applications in Disease Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment. ACS Sens 2024; 9:1089-1103. [PMID: 38365574 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c02328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
DNA methylation is the dominant epigenetic mechanism for regulating gene expression in mammals, playing crucial roles in development, differentiation, and tissue homeostasis. Aberrations in DNA methylation are closely associated with the potential onset of various diseases. Consequently, numerous DNA methylation detection techniques have been successively developed. These methods not only facilitate the exploration of disease mechanisms but also hold significant promise for the development of diagnostic and prognostic strategies. In this Perspective, we present a comprehensive overview of commonly employed DNA methylation detection techniques as well as biosensing based on their underlying analytical techniques. For its medical applications, we begin by examining the pathogenesis of different diseases and then proceed to discuss how relevant technologies are applied in the context of these specific medical conditions. Additionally, we briefly discuss the current limitations of these techniques and highlight future challenges in advancing methylation detection and analysis methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaming Zhang
- Institute for Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Institute for Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Min Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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8
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Che H, Jiang P, Choy LYL, Cheng SH, Peng W, Chan RWY, Liu J, Zhou Q, Lam WKJ, Yu SCY, Lau SL, Leung TY, Wong J, Wong VWS, Wong GLH, Chan SL, Chan KCA, Lo YMD. Genomic origin, fragmentomics, and transcriptional properties of long cell-free DNA molecules in human plasma. Genome Res 2024; 34:189-200. [PMID: 38408788 PMCID: PMC10984381 DOI: 10.1101/gr.278556.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Recent studies have revealed an unexplored population of long cell-free DNA (cfDNA) molecules in human plasma using long-read sequencing technologies. However, the biological properties of long cfDNA molecules (>500 bp) remain largely unknown. To this end, we have investigated the origins of long cfDNA molecules from different genomic elements. Analysis of plasma cfDNA using long-read sequencing reveals an uneven distribution of long molecules from across the genome. Long cfDNA molecules show overrepresentation in euchromatic regions of the genome, in sharp contrast to short DNA molecules. We observe a stronger relationship between the abundance of long molecules and mRNA gene expression levels, compared with short molecules (Pearson's r = 0.71 vs. -0.14). Moreover, long and short molecules show distinct fragmentation patterns surrounding CpG sites. Leveraging the cleavage preferences surrounding CpG sites, the combined cleavage ratios of long and short molecules can differentiate patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from non-HCC subjects (AUC = 0.87). We also investigated knockout mice in which selected nuclease genes had been inactivated in comparison with wild-type mice. The proportion of long molecules originating from transcription start sites are lower in Dffb-deficient mice but higher in Dnase1l3-deficient mice compared with that of wild-type mice. This work thus provides new insights into the biological properties and potential clinical applications of long cfDNA molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiwen Che
- Centre for Novostics, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Peiyong Jiang
- Centre for Novostics, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - L Y Lois Choy
- Centre for Novostics, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Suk Hang Cheng
- Centre for Novostics, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wenlei Peng
- Centre for Novostics, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Rebecca W Y Chan
- Centre for Novostics, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Centre for Novostics, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Qing Zhou
- Centre for Novostics, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - W K Jacky Lam
- Centre for Novostics, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Stephanie C Y Yu
- Centre for Novostics, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - So Ling Lau
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tak Y Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - John Wong
- Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Vincent Wai-Sun Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Grace L H Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Stephen L Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Centre for Cancer, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - K C Allen Chan
- Centre for Novostics, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Y M Dennis Lo
- Centre for Novostics, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong SAR, China;
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
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9
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Wang R, Yang Y, Lu T, Cui Y, Li B, Liu X. Circulating cell-free DNA-based methylation pattern in plasma for early diagnosis of esophagus cancer. PeerJ 2024; 12:e16802. [PMID: 38313016 PMCID: PMC10838104 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
With the increased awareness of early tumor detection, the importance of detecting and diagnosing esophageal cancer in its early stages has been underscored. Studies have consistently demonstrated the crucial role of methylation levels in circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in identifying and diagnosing early-stage cancer. cfDNA methylation pertains to the methylation state within the genomic scope of cfDNA and is strongly associated with cancer development and progression. Several research teams have delved into the potential application of cfDNA methylation in identifying early-stage esophageal cancer and have achieved promising outcomes. Recent research supports the high sensitivity and specificity of cfDNA methylation in early esophageal cancer diagnosis, providing a more accurate and efficient approach for early detection and improved clinical management. Accordingly, this review aims to present an overview of methylation-based cfDNA research with a focus on the latest developments in the early detection of esophageal cancer. Additionally, this review summarizes advanced analytical technologies for cfDNA methylation that have significantly benefited from recent advancements in separation and detection techniques, such as methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeDIP-seq). Recent findings suggest that biomarkers based on cfDNA methylation may soon find successful applications in the early detection of esophageal cancer. However, large-scale prospective clinical trials are required to identify the potential of these biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yue Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Tianyu Lu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Youbin Cui
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Bo Li
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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10
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Liu Y, Reed SC, Lo C, Choudhury AD, Parsons HA, Stover DG, Ha G, Gydush G, Rhoades J, Rotem D, Freeman S, Katz D, Bandaru R, Zheng H, Fu H, Adalsteinsson VA, Kellis M. FinaleMe: Predicting DNA methylation by the fragmentation patterns of plasma cell-free DNA. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.02.573710. [PMID: 38260558 PMCID: PMC10802291 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.02.573710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Analysis of DNA methylation in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) reveals clinically relevant biomarkers but requires specialized protocols and sufficient input material that limits its applicability. Millions of cfDNA samples have been profiled by genomic sequencing. To maximize the gene regulation information from the existing dataset, we developed FinaleMe, a non-homogeneous Hidden Markov Model (HMM), to predict DNA methylation of cfDNA and, therefore, tissues-of-origin directly from plasma whole-genome sequencing (WGS). We validated the performance with 80 pairs of deep and shallow-coverage WGS and whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229
- University of Cincinnati Center for Environmental Genetics, Cincinnati, OH 45229
- University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Sarah C. Reed
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | | | - Atish D. Choudhury
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Gavin Ha
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | | | | | - Denisse Rotem
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | | | - David Katz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229
| | - Ravi Bandaru
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229
| | - Haizi Zheng
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229
| | - Hailu Fu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229
| | | | - Manolis Kellis
- University of Cincinnati Center for Environmental Genetics, Cincinnati, OH 45229
- University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229
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11
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van der Pol Y, Tantyo NA, Evander N, Hentschel AE, Wever BM, Ramaker J, Bootsma S, Fransen MF, Lenos KJ, Vermeulen L, Schneiders FL, Bahce I, Nieuwenhuijzen JA, Steenbergen RD, Pegtel DM, Moldovan N, Mouliere F. Real-time analysis of the cancer genome and fragmentome from plasma and urine cell-free DNA using nanopore sequencing. EMBO Mol Med 2023; 15:e17282. [PMID: 37942753 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202217282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) can be isolated and sequenced from blood and/or urine of cancer patients. Conventional short-read sequencing lacks deployability and speed and can be biased for short cfDNA fragments. Here, we demonstrate that with Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) sequencing we can achieve delivery of genomic and fragmentomic data from liquid biopsies. Copy number aberrations and cfDNA fragmentation patterns can be determined in less than 24 h from sample collection. The tumor-derived cfDNA fraction calculated from plasma of lung cancer patients and urine of bladder cancer patients was highly correlated (R = 0.98) with the tumor fraction calculated from short-read sequencing of the same samples. cfDNA size profile, fragmentation patterns, fragment-end composition, and nucleosome profiling near transcription start sites in plasma and urine exhibited the typical cfDNA features. Additionally, a high proportion of long tumor-derived cfDNA fragments (> 300 bp) are recovered in plasma and urine using ONT sequencing. ONT sequencing is a cost-effective, fast, and deployable approach for obtaining genomic and fragmentomic results from liquid biopsies, allowing the analysis of previously understudied cfDNA populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ymke van der Pol
- Pathology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Imaging and Biomarkers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Normastuti Adhini Tantyo
- Pathology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Imaging and Biomarkers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nils Evander
- Pathology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Imaging and Biomarkers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anouk E Hentschel
- Pathology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Urology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Birgit Mm Wever
- Pathology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Imaging and Biomarkers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jip Ramaker
- Pathology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Imaging and Biomarkers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne Bootsma
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke F Fransen
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Imaging and Biomarkers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Pulmonology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kristiaan J Lenos
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Louis Vermeulen
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Famke L Schneiders
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Imaging and Biomarkers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Pulmonology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Idris Bahce
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Imaging and Biomarkers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Pulmonology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jakko A Nieuwenhuijzen
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Imaging and Biomarkers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Urology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Renske Dm Steenbergen
- Pathology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Imaging and Biomarkers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - D Michiel Pegtel
- Pathology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Imaging and Biomarkers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Norbert Moldovan
- Pathology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Imaging and Biomarkers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Florent Mouliere
- Pathology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Imaging and Biomarkers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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12
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Bronkhorst AJ, Holdenrieder S. The changing face of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) profiling: Factors that shape the landscape of methodologies, technologies, and commercialization. MED GENET-BERLIN 2023; 35:201-235. [PMID: 38835739 PMCID: PMC11006350 DOI: 10.1515/medgen-2023-2065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Liquid biopsies, in particular the profiling of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), have long held promise as transformative tools in cancer precision medicine. Despite a prolonged incubation phase, ctDNA profiling has recently experienced a strong wave of development and innovation, indicating its imminent integration into the cancer management toolbox. Various advancements in mutation-based ctDNA analysis methodologies and technologies have greatly improved sensitivity and specificity of ctDNA assays, such as optimized preanalytics, size-based pre-enrichment strategies, targeted sequencing, enhanced library preparation methods, sequencing error suppression, integrated bioinformatics and machine learning. Moreover, research breakthroughs have expanded the scope of ctDNA analysis beyond hotspot mutational profiling of plasma-derived apoptotic, mono-nucleosomal ctDNA fragments. This broader perspective considers alternative genetic features of cancer, genome-wide characterization, classical and newly discovered epigenetic modifications, structural variations, diverse cellular and mechanistic ctDNA origins, and alternative biospecimen types. These developments have maximized the utility of ctDNA, facilitating landmark research, clinical trials, and the commercialization of ctDNA assays, technologies, and products. Consequently, ctDNA tests are increasingly recognized as an important part of patient guidance and are being implemented in clinical practice. Although reimbursement for ctDNA tests by healthcare providers still lags behind, it is gaining greater acceptance. In this work, we provide a comprehensive exploration of the extensive landscape of ctDNA profiling methodologies, considering the multitude of factors that influence its development and evolution. By illuminating the broader aspects of ctDNA profiling, the aim is to provide multiple entry points for understanding and navigating the vast and rapidly evolving landscape of ctDNA methodologies, applications, and technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abel J Bronkhorst
- Technical University Munich Munich Biomarker Research Center, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Center Lazarettstr. 36 80636 Munich Germany
| | - Stefan Holdenrieder
- Technical University Munich Munich Biomarker Research Center, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Center Lazarettstr. 36 80636 Munich Germany
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13
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McLaren DB, Aitman TJ. Redefining precision radiotherapy through liquid biopsy. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:900-903. [PMID: 37598284 PMCID: PMC10491827 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02398-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Precision radiotherapy refers to the ability to deliver radiation doses with sub-millimetre accuracy. It does not however consider individual variation in tumour or normal tissue response, failing to maximise tumour control and minimise toxicity. Combining precise delivery with personalised dosing, through analysis of cell-free DNA, would redefine precision in radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- D B McLaren
- Edinburgh Cancer Centre, Western General Hospital, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK.
| | - T J Aitman
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK.
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14
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Jeepalyam S, Sheel A, Ejaz A, Miller E, Manne A. Is Cell-Free DNA Testing in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Ready for Prime Time? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14231. [PMID: 37762533 PMCID: PMC10531802 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Revamping the current biomarker landscape of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with cell-free DNA (cfDNA) could improve overall outcomes. The use of commercially available cfDNA testing (also known as liquid biopsy) is limited by the low prevalence of targetable mutations and does not have any prognostic or predictive value. Thus, current cfDNA testing cannot be relied upon for perioperative risk stratification (POR), including early detection of recurrence, long-term surveillance, predicting outcomes, and treatment response. Prior evidence on cfDNA mutation profiling (non-specific detection or gene panel testing) suggests that it can be a reliable tool for POR and prognostication, but it still requires significant improvements. cfDNA methylation changes or epigenetic markers have not been explored extensively, but early studies have shown potential for it to be a prognostic biomarker tool. The predictive value of cfDNA (mutations and EM) to assist treatment selection (systemic therapy, immune-checkpoint inhibitor vs. tyrosine kinase inhibitor) and to monitor response to systemic and locoregional therapies should be a future area of focus. We highlighted the unmet needs in the HCC management and the current role of cfDNA testing in HCC in addressing them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sravan Jeepalyam
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Ankur Sheel
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Aslam Ejaz
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 320 W. 10th Ave., M-260 Starling-Loving Hall, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Eric Miller
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Ashish Manne
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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15
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Yu SCY, Choy LYL, Lo YMD. 'Longing' for the Next Generation of Liquid Biopsy: The Diagnostic Potential of Long Cell-Free DNA in Oncology and Prenatal Testing. Mol Diagn Ther 2023; 27:563-571. [PMID: 37474843 PMCID: PMC10435595 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-023-00661-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Liquid biopsy using cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has gained global interest as a molecular diagnostic tool. However, the analysis of cfDNA in cancer patients and pregnant women has been focused on short DNA molecules (e.g., ≤ 600 bp). With the detection of long cfDNA in the plasma of pregnant women and cancer patients in two recent studies, a new avenue of long cfDNA-based liquid biopsy has been opened. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge in this nascent field of long cfDNA analysis, focusing on the fragmentomic and epigenetic features of long cfDNA. In particular, long-read sequencing enabled single-molecule methylation analysis and subsequent determination of the tissue-of-origin of long cfDNA, which has promising clinical potential in prenatal and cancer testing. We also examine some of the limitations that may hinder the immediate clinical applications of long cfDNA analysis and the current efforts involved in addressing them. With concerted efforts in this area, it is hoped that long cfDNA analysis will add to the expanding armamentarium of liquid biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C Y Yu
- Centre for Novostics, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, New Territories, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - L Y Lois Choy
- Centre for Novostics, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, New Territories, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Y M Dennis Lo
- Centre for Novostics, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, New Territories, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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16
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Hook PW, Timp W. Beyond assembly: the increasing flexibility of single-molecule sequencing technology. Nat Rev Genet 2023; 24:627-641. [PMID: 37161088 PMCID: PMC10169143 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-023-00600-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The maturation of high-throughput short-read sequencing technology over the past two decades has shaped the way genomes are studied. Recently, single-molecule, long-read sequencing has emerged as an essential tool in deciphering genome structure and function, including filling gaps in the human reference genome, measuring the epigenome and characterizing splicing variants in the transcriptome. With recent technological developments, these single-molecule technologies have moved beyond genome assembly and are being used in a variety of ways, including to selectively sequence specific loci with long reads, measure chromatin state and protein-DNA binding in order to investigate the dynamics of gene regulation, and rapidly determine copy number variation. These increasingly flexible uses of single-molecule technologies highlight a young and fast-moving part of the field that is leading to a more accessible era of nucleic acid sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul W Hook
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Biology and Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Winston Timp
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Biology and Genetics, and Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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17
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Souza VGP, Forder A, Brockley LJ, Pewarchuk ME, Telkar N, de Araújo RP, Trejo J, Benard K, Seneda AL, Minutentag IW, Erkan M, Stewart GL, Hasimoto EN, Garnis C, Lam WL, Martinez VD, Reis PP. Liquid Biopsy in Lung Cancer: Biomarkers for the Management of Recurrence and Metastasis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108894. [PMID: 37240238 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid biopsies have emerged as a promising tool for the detection of metastases as well as local and regional recurrence in lung cancer. Liquid biopsy tests involve analyzing a patient's blood, urine, or other body fluids for the detection of biomarkers, including circulating tumor cells or tumor-derived DNA/RNA that have been shed into the bloodstream. Studies have shown that liquid biopsies can detect lung cancer metastases with high accuracy and sensitivity, even before they are visible on imaging scans. Such tests are valuable for early intervention and personalized treatment, aiming to improve patient outcomes. Liquid biopsies are also minimally invasive compared to traditional tissue biopsies, which require the removal of a sample of the tumor for further analysis. This makes liquid biopsies a more convenient and less risky option for patients, particularly those who are not good candidates for invasive procedures due to other medical conditions. While liquid biopsies for lung cancer metastases and relapse are still being developed and validated, they hold great promise for improving the detection and treatment of this deadly disease. Herein, we summarize available and novel approaches to liquid biopsy tests for lung cancer metastases and recurrence detection and describe their applications in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa G P Souza
- British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Experimental Research Unit, School of Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Aisling Forder
- British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Liam J Brockley
- British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | | | - Nikita Telkar
- British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Rachel Paes de Araújo
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Experimental Research Unit, School of Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Jessica Trejo
- British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Katya Benard
- British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Ana Laura Seneda
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Experimental Research Unit, School of Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Iael W Minutentag
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Experimental Research Unit, School of Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Melis Erkan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS B3K 6R8, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3K 6R8, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Greg L Stewart
- British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Erica N Hasimoto
- Department of Surgery and Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP 18618-687, Brazil
| | - Cathie Garnis
- British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
- Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Wan L Lam
- British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Victor D Martinez
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS B3K 6R8, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3K 6R8, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Patricia P Reis
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Experimental Research Unit, School of Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP 18618-687, Brazil
- Department of Surgery and Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP 18618-687, Brazil
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18
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Brockley LJ, Souza VGP, Forder A, Pewarchuk ME, Erkan M, Telkar N, Benard K, Trejo J, Stewart MD, Stewart GL, Reis PP, Lam WL, Martinez VD. Sequence-Based Platforms for Discovering Biomarkers in Liquid Biopsy of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082275. [PMID: 37190212 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer detection and monitoring are hampered by a lack of sensitive biomarkers, which results in diagnosis at late stages and difficulty in tracking response to treatment. Recent developments have established liquid biopsies as promising non-invasive methods for detecting biomarkers in lung cancer patients. With concurrent advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies and bioinformatics tools, new approaches for biomarker discovery have emerged. In this article, we survey established and emerging biomarker discovery methods using nucleic acid materials derived from bodily fluids in the context of lung cancer. We introduce nucleic acid biomarkers extracted from liquid biopsies and outline biological sources and methods of isolation. We discuss next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms commonly used to identify novel biomarkers and describe how these have been applied to liquid biopsy. We highlight emerging biomarker discovery methods, including applications of long-read sequencing, fragmentomics, whole-genome amplification methods for single-cell analysis, and whole-genome methylation assays. Finally, we discuss advanced bioinformatics tools, describing methods for processing NGS data, as well as recently developed software tailored for liquid biopsy biomarker detection, which holds promise for early diagnosis of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam J Brockley
- British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Vanessa G P Souza
- British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Experimental Research Unit, School of Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, SP, Brazil
| | - Aisling Forder
- British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | | | - Melis Erkan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS B3K 6R8, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3K 6R8, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Nikita Telkar
- British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Katya Benard
- British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Jessica Trejo
- British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Matt D Stewart
- British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Greg L Stewart
- British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Patricia P Reis
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Experimental Research Unit, School of Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, SP, Brazil
- Department of Surgery and Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, SP, Brazil
| | - Wan L Lam
- British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Victor D Martinez
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS B3K 6R8, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3K 6R8, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
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19
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Wang M, Li Q, Liu L. Factors and Methods for the Detection of Gene Expression Regulation. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020304. [PMID: 36830673 PMCID: PMC9953580 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene-expression regulation involves multiple processes and a range of regulatory factors. In this review, we describe the key factors that regulate gene expression, including transcription factors (TFs), chromatin accessibility, histone modifications, DNA methylation, and RNA modifications. In addition, we also describe methods that can be used to detect these regulatory factors.
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20
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Yu SCY, Deng J, Qiao R, Cheng SH, Peng W, Lau SL, Choy LYL, Leung TY, Wong J, Wong VWS, Wong GLH, Jiang P, Chiu RWK, Chan KCA, Lo YMD. Comparison of Single Molecule, Real-Time Sequencing and Nanopore Sequencing for Analysis of the Size, End-Motif, and Tissue-of-Origin of Long Cell-Free DNA in Plasma. Clin Chem 2023; 69:168-179. [PMID: 36322427 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvac180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies using single molecule, real-time (SMRT) sequencing revealed a substantial population of analyzable long cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in plasma. Potential clinical utilities of such long cfDNA in pregnancy and cancer have been demonstrated. However, the performance of different long-read sequencing platforms for the analysis of long cfDNA remains unknown. METHODS Size biases of SMRT sequencing by Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) and nanopore sequencing by Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) were evaluated using artificial mixtures of sonicated human and mouse DNA of different sizes. cfDNA from plasma samples of pregnant women at different trimesters, hepatitis B carriers, and patients with hepatocellular carcinoma were sequenced with the 2 platforms. RESULTS Both platforms showed biases to sequence longer (1500 bp vs 200 bp) DNA fragments, with PacBio showing a stronger bias (5-fold overrepresentation of long fragments vs 2-fold in ONT). Percentages of cfDNA fragments 500 bp were around 6-fold higher in PacBio compared with ONT. End motif profiles of cfDNA from PacBio and ONT were similar, yet exhibited platform-dependent patterns. Tissue-of-origin analysis based on single-molecule methylation patterns showed comparable performance on both platforms. CONCLUSIONS SMRT sequencing generated data with higher percentages of long cfDNA compared with nanopore sequencing. Yet, a higher number of long cfDNA fragments eligible for the tissue-of-origin analysis could be obtained from nanopore sequencing due to its much higher throughput. When analyzing the size and end motif of cfDNA, one should be aware of the analytical characteristics and possible biases of the sequencing platforms being used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C Y Yu
- Centre for Novostics, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jiaen Deng
- Centre for Novostics, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Rong Qiao
- Centre for Novostics, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Suk Hang Cheng
- Centre for Novostics, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wenlei Peng
- Centre for Novostics, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - So Ling Lau
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - L Y Lois Choy
- Centre for Novostics, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.,State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tak Y Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - John Wong
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Vincent Wai-Sun Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Grace L H Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Peiyong Jiang
- Centre for Novostics, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.,State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Rossa W K Chiu
- Centre for Novostics, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - K C Allen Chan
- Centre for Novostics, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.,State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Y M Dennis Lo
- Centre for Novostics, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.,State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
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21
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Qi T, Pan M, Shi H, Wang L, Bai Y, Ge Q. Cell-Free DNA Fragmentomics: The Novel Promising Biomarker. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021503. [PMID: 36675018 PMCID: PMC9866579 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-free DNA molecules are released into the plasma via apoptotic or necrotic events and active release mechanisms, which carry the genetic and epigenetic information of its origin tissues. However, cfDNA is the mixture of various cell fragments, and the efficient enrichment of cfDNA fragments with diagnostic value remains a great challenge for application in the clinical setting. Evidence from recent years shows that cfDNA fragmentomics' characteristics differ in normal and diseased individuals without the need to distinguish the source of the cfDNA fragments, which makes it a promising novel biomarker. Moreover, cfDNA fragmentomics can identify tissue origins by inferring epigenetic information. Thus, further insights into the fragmentomics of plasma cfDNA shed light on the origin and fragmentation mechanisms of cfDNA during physiological and pathological processes in diseases and enhance our ability to take the advantage of plasma cfDNA as a molecular diagnostic tool. In this review, we focus on the cfDNA fragment characteristics and its potential application, such as fragment length, end motifs, jagged ends, preferred end coordinates, as well as nucleosome footprints, open chromatin region, and gene expression inferred by the cfDNA fragmentation pattern across the genome. Furthermore, we summarize the methods for deducing the tissue of origin by cfDNA fragmentomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Min Pan
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210097, China
| | - Huajuan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Liangying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Yunfei Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Qinyu Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +86-025-83792396
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22
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New Perspectives on the Importance of Cell-Free DNA Biology. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12092147. [PMID: 36140548 PMCID: PMC9497998 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12092147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Body fluids are constantly replenished with a population of genetically diverse cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragments, representing a vast reservoir of information reflecting real-time changes in the host and metagenome. As many body fluids can be collected non-invasively in a one-off and serial fashion, this reservoir can be tapped to develop assays for the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of wide-ranging pathologies, such as solid tumors, fetal genetic abnormalities, rejected organ transplants, infections, and potentially many others. The translation of cfDNA research into useful clinical tests is gaining momentum, with recent progress being driven by rapidly evolving preanalytical and analytical procedures, integrated bioinformatics, and machine learning algorithms. Yet, despite these spectacular advances, cfDNA remains a very challenging analyte due to its immense heterogeneity and fluctuation in vivo. It is increasingly recognized that high-fidelity reconstruction of the information stored in cfDNA, and in turn the development of tests that are fit for clinical roll-out, requires a much deeper understanding of both the physico-chemical features of cfDNA and the biological, physiological, lifestyle, and environmental factors that modulate it. This is a daunting task, but with significant upsides. In this review we showed how expanded knowledge on cfDNA biology and faithful reverse-engineering of cfDNA samples promises to (i) augment the sensitivity and specificity of existing cfDNA assays; (ii) expand the repertoire of disease-specific cfDNA markers, thereby leading to the development of increasingly powerful assays; (iii) reshape personal molecular medicine; and (iv) have an unprecedented impact on genetics research.
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23
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Joosse SA, Pantel K. Detection of Hypomethylation in Long-ctDNA. Clin Chem 2022; 68:1115-1117. [DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvac108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simon A Joosse
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg–Eppendorf , Hamburg , Germany
- Mildred Scheel Cancer Career Center HaTriCS4, University Medical Center Hamburg–Eppendorf , Hamburg , Germany
| | - Klaus Pantel
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg–Eppendorf , Hamburg , Germany
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