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Heesterbeek CJ, Tjan-Heijnen VC, Heimovaara JH, Lenaerts L, Lok C, Vriens IJ, Van Opstal D, Boon EM, Sie D, de Die-Smulders CE, Amant F, Macville MV. Prenatal cell-free DNA testing of women with pregnancy-associated cancer: a retrospective cross-sectional study. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. EUROPE 2024; 45:101024. [PMID: 39220433 PMCID: PMC11363838 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2024.101024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Background Incidentally, the non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) shows chromosomal aberrations suspicious of a maternal malignancy, especially after genome-wide testing. The aim of this study is to determine how many cases of cancer in pregnancy are diagnosed or missed with NIPT and whether in retrospect subtle changes in NIPT results could have detected cancer. Methods We identified Dutch patients diagnosed in 2017-2021 with pregnancy-associated cancer from the International Network on Cancer, Infertility and Pregnancy (INCIP) Registry, who underwent NIPT in the Dutch NIPT implementation study (TRIDENT-2). We retrospectively assessed how many of these women showed a malignancy suspicious-NIPT, their tumour types and -stages, and the time interval between NIPT and cancer diagnosis. Findings Of 143 women with pregnancy-associated cancer, we included 65 patients that underwent an NIPT. Fifty-four women had a solid tumour and 11 a haematological malignancy. Sixteen (24.6%) NIPTs were malignancy suspicious (15 genome-wide, one targeted). All 10 haematological cancer patients with genome-wide NIPT had a malignancy suspicious-NIPT, irrespective of the disease stage. Only five patients with a solid tumour had a genome-wide malignancy suspicious-NIPT (4/5 advanced cancer stage III or IV). The mean time between date of NIPT and cancer diagnosis was significantly shorter after a malignancy suspicious-NIPT compared to a non-suspicious-NIPT, respectively 49.9 days (± SD 31.8) and 100.7 days (± SD 74.9), p = 0.001. Interpretation All genome-wide NIPT in women with pregnancy-associated haematological malignancies were malignancy suspicious. Women with a solid tumour showed a malignancy suspicious-NIPT in only a minority of cases, mainly the advanced stages. Funding None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catharina J. Heesterbeek
- Department of Medical Oncology, GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Vivianne C.G. Tjan-Heijnen
- Department of Medical Oncology, GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Joosje H. Heimovaara
- Department of Gynaecology, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek-Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Oncology, Catholic University Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Christianne Lok
- Department of Gynaecologic Oncology, Centre of Gynaecologic Oncology Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ingeborg J.H. Vriens
- Department of Medical Oncology, GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Diane Van Opstal
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Elles M.J. Boon
- Department of Human Genetics, VU University Medical Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Daoud Sie
- Department of Human Genetics, VU University Medical Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Frédéric Amant
- Department of Gynaecologic Oncology, Catholic University Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Gynaecologic Oncology, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek-The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Merryn V.E. Macville
- Department of Clinical Genetics, GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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2
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Artner T, Sharma S, Lang IM. Nucleic acid liquid biopsies in cardiovascular disease: Cell-free DNA liquid biopsies in cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerosis 2024:118583. [PMID: 39353793 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2024.118583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, and despite treatment efforts, cardiovascular function cannot always be restored, and progression of disease be prevented. Critical insights are oftentimes based on tissue samples. Current knowledge of tissue pathology typically relies on invasive biopsies or postmortem samples. Liquid biopsies, which assess circulating mediators to deduce the histology and pathology of distant tissues, have been advancing rapidly in cancer research and offer a promising approach to be translated to the understanding and treatment of CVD. The widely understood elevations in cell-free DNA during acute and chronic cardiovascular conditions, associate with disease, severity, and offer prognostic value. The role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and circulating nucleases in thrombosis provide a solid rationale for liquid biopsies in CVD. cfDNA originates from various tissue types and cellular sources, including mitochondria and nuclei, and can be used to trace cell and tissue type lineage, as well as to gain insight into the activation status of cells. This article discusses the origin, structure, and potential utility of cfDNA, offering a deeper and less invasive approach for the understanding of the complexities of CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler Artner
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.
| | - Smriti Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Irene M Lang
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.
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3
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Panet F, Papakonstantinou A, Borrell M, Vivancos J, Vivancos A, Oliveira M. Use of ctDNA in early breast cancer: analytical validity and clinical potential. NPJ Breast Cancer 2024; 10:50. [PMID: 38898045 PMCID: PMC11187121 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-024-00653-3] [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: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Circulating free tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis is gaining popularity in precision oncology, particularly in metastatic breast cancer, as it provides non-invasive, real-time tumor information to complement tissue biopsies, allowing for tailored treatment strategies and improved patient selection in clinical trials. Its use in early breast cancer has been limited so far, due to the relatively low sensitivity of available techniques in a setting characterized by lower levels of ctDNA shedding. However, advances in sequencing and bioinformatics, as well as the use of methylome profiles, have led to an increasing interest in the application of ctDNA analysis in early breast cancer, from screening to curative treatment evaluation and minimal residual disease (MRD) detection. With multiple prospective clinical trials in this setting, ctDNA evaluation may become useful in clinical practice. This article reviews the data regarding the analytical validity of the currently available tests for ctDNA detection and the clinical potential of ctDNA analysis in early breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Panet
- Breast Cancer Group, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Andri Papakonstantinou
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Breast, Endocrine Tumors and Sarcomas, Karolinska Comprehensive Cancer Center, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Borrell
- Breast Cancer Group, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
- Medical Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Vivancos
- Cancer Genomics Group, Vall d´Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Vivancos
- Cancer Genomics Group, Vall d´Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mafalda Oliveira
- Breast Cancer Group, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain.
- Medical Oncology Department, Vall d'Hebron Hospital, Barcelona, Spain.
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4
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Sender R, Noor E, Milo R, Dor Y. What fraction of cellular DNA turnover becomes cfDNA? eLife 2024; 12:RP89321. [PMID: 38407214 PMCID: PMC10942627 DOI: 10.7554/elife.89321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) tests use small amounts of DNA in the bloodstream as biomarkers. While it is thought that cfDNA is largely released by dying cells, the proportion of dying cells' DNA that reaches the bloodstream is unknown. Here, we integrate estimates of cellular turnover rates to calculate the expected amount of cfDNA. By comparing this to the actual amount of cell type-specific cfDNA, we estimate the proportion of DNA reaching plasma as cfDNA. We demonstrate that <10% of the DNA from dying cells is detectable in plasma, and the ratios of measured to expected cfDNA levels vary a thousand-fold among cell types, often reaching well below 0.1%. The analysis suggests that local clearance, presumably via phagocytosis, takes up most of the dying cells' DNA. Insights into the underlying mechanism may help to understand the physiological significance of cfDNA and improve the sensitivity of liquid biopsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ron Sender
- Weizmann Institute of ScienceRehovotIsrael
| | - Elad Noor
- Weizmann Institute of ScienceRehovotIsrael
| | - Ron Milo
- Weizmann Institute of ScienceRehovotIsrael
| | - Yuval Dor
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel Canada, the Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical SchoolJerusalemIsrael
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5
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Socol Y, Richardson A, Garali-Zineddine I, Grison S, Vares G, Klokov D. Artificial intelligence in biology and medicine, and radioprotection research: perspectives from Jerusalem. Front Artif Intell 2024; 6:1291136. [PMID: 38282906 PMCID: PMC10812117 DOI: 10.3389/frai.2023.1291136] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
While AI is widely used in biomedical research and medical practice, its use is constrained to few specific practical areas, e.g., radiomics. Participants of the workshop on "Artificial Intelligence in Biology and Medicine" (Jerusalem, Feb 14-15, 2023), both researchers and practitioners, aimed to build a holistic picture by exploring AI advancements, challenges and perspectives, as well as to suggest new fields for AI applications. Presentations showcased the potential of large language models (LLMs) in generating molecular structures, predicting protein-ligand interactions, and promoting democratization of AI development. Ethical concerns in medical decision making were also addressed. In biological applications, AI integration of multi-omics and clinical data elucidated the health relevant effects of low doses of ionizing radiation. Bayesian latent modeling identified statistical associations between unobserved variables. Medical applications highlighted liquid biopsy methods for non-invasive diagnostics, routine laboratory tests to identify overlooked illnesses, and AI's role in oral and maxillofacial imaging. Explainable AI and diverse image processing tools improved diagnostics, while text classification detected anorexic behavior in blog posts. The workshop fostered knowledge sharing, discussions, and emphasized the need for further AI development in radioprotection research in support of emerging public health issues. The organizers plan to continue the initiative as an annual event, promoting collaboration and addressing issues and perspectives in AI applications with a focus on low-dose radioprotection research. Researchers involved in radioprotection research and experts in relevant public policy domains are invited to explore the utility of AI in low-dose radiation research at the next workshop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehoshua Socol
- Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Jerusalem College of Technology, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ariella Richardson
- Department of Data Mining, Jerusalem College of Technology, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Imene Garali-Zineddine
- Health and Environnent Division, Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Stephane Grison
- Health and Environnent Division, Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Guillaume Vares
- Health and Environnent Division, Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Dmitry Klokov
- Health and Environnent Division, Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN), Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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6
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Bronkhorst AJ, Holdenrieder S. A pocket companion to cell-free DNA (cfDNA) preanalytics. Tumour Biol 2024; 46:S297-S308. [PMID: 37840517 DOI: 10.3233/tub-230011] [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: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The cumulative pool of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) molecules within bodily fluids represents a highly dense and multidimensional information repository. This "biological mirror" provides real-time insights into the composition, function, and dynamics of the diverse genomes within the body, enabling significant advancements in personalized molecular medicine. However, effective use of this information necessitates meticulous classification of distinct cfDNA subtypes with exceptional precision. While cfDNA molecules originating from different sources exhibit numerous genetic, epigenetic, and physico-chemical variations, they also share common features that complicate analyses. Considerable progress has been achieved in mapping the landscape of cfDNA features, their clinical correlations, and optimizing extraction procedures, analytical approaches, bioinformatics pipelines, and machine learning algorithms. Nevertheless, preanalytical workflows, despite their profound impact on cfDNA measurements, have not progressed at a corresponding pace. In this perspective article, we emphasize the pivotal role of robust preanalytical procedures in the development and clinical integration of cfDNA assays, highlighting persistent obstacles and emerging challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abel J Bronkhorst
- Munich Biomarker Research Center, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Center, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Holdenrieder
- Munich Biomarker Research Center, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Center, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
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7
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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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8
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Farhana A, Alsrhani A, Khan YS, Rasheed Z. Cancer Bioenergetics and Tumor Microenvironments-Enhancing Chemotherapeutics and Targeting Resistant Niches through Nanosystems. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3836. [PMID: 37568652 PMCID: PMC10416858 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is an impending bottleneck in the advanced scientific workflow to achieve diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic success. Most cancers are refractory to conventional diagnostic and chemotherapeutics due to their limited targetability, specificity, solubility, and side effects. The inherent ability of each cancer to evolve through various genetic and epigenetic transformations and metabolic reprogramming underlies therapeutic limitations. Though tumor microenvironments (TMEs) are quite well understood in some cancers, each microenvironment differs from the other in internal perturbations and metabolic skew thereby impeding the development of appropriate diagnostics, drugs, vaccines, and therapies. Cancer associated bioenergetics modulations regulate TME, angiogenesis, immune evasion, generation of resistant niches and tumor progression, and a thorough understanding is crucial to the development of metabolic therapies. However, this remains a missing element in cancer theranostics, necessitating the development of modalities that can be adapted for targetability, diagnostics and therapeutics. In this challenging scenario, nanomaterials are modular platforms for understanding TME and achieving successful theranostics. Several nanoscale particles have been successfully researched in animal models, quite a few have reached clinical trials, and some have achieved clinical success. Nanoparticles exhibit an intrinsic capability to interact with diverse biomolecules and modulate their functions. Furthermore, nanoparticles can be functionalized with receptors, modulators, and drugs to facilitate specific targeting with reduced toxicity. This review discusses the current understanding of different theranostic nanosystems, their synthesis, functionalization, and targetability for therapeutic modulation of bioenergetics, and metabolic reprogramming of the cancer microenvironment. We highlight the potential of nanosystems for enhanced chemotherapeutic success emphasizing the questions that remain unanswered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisha Farhana
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Alsrhani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yusuf Saleem Khan
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zafar Rasheed
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, P.O. Box 6655, Buraidah 51452, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
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9
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Ding B, Zhang X, Wan Z, Tian F, Ling J, Tan J, Peng X. Characterization of Mitochondrial DNA Methylation of Alzheimer's Disease in Plasma Cell-Free DNA. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2351. [PMID: 37510095 PMCID: PMC10378411 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13142351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Noninvasive diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is important for patients. Significant differences in the methylation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were found in AD brain tissue. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is a noninvasive and economical diagnostic tool. We aimed to characterize mtDNA methylation alterations in the plasma cfDNA of 31 AD patients and 26 age- and sex-matched cognitively normal control subjects. We found that the mtDNA methylation patterns differed between AD patients and control subjects. The mtDNA was predominantly hypomethylated in the plasma cfDNA of AD patients. The hypomethylation sites or regions were mainly located in mt-rRNA, mt-tRNA, and D-Loop regions. The hypomethylation of the D-Loop region in plasma cfDNA of AD patients was consistent with that in previous studies. This study presents evidence that hypomethylation in the non-protein coding region of mtDNA may contribute to the pathogenesis of AD and potential application for the diagnosis of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binrong Ding
- Department of Geriatrics, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Xuewei Zhang
- Health Management Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Zhengqing Wan
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Feng Tian
- The 8 Ward, The Ninth Hospital of Changsha, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Jie Ling
- Medical Functional Experiment Center, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Jieqiong Tan
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
- Institute of Molecular Precision Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Changsha 410000, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Xiaoqing Peng
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
- Institute of Molecular Precision Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Changsha 410000, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Neurodegenerative and Neurogenetic Diseases, Changsha 410000, China
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Bronkhorst AJ, Holdenrieder S. Cell-Free Nucleic Acids: Physico-Chemical Properties, Analytical Considerations, and Clinical Applications. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2312. [PMID: 37443705 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13132312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Human body fluids are rich sources of cell-free nuclear material, which exhibits unique characteristics [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Abel J Bronkhorst
- Munich Biomarker Research Center, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Center, Technical University Munich, 80636 Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Holdenrieder
- Munich Biomarker Research Center, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Center, Technical University Munich, 80636 Munich, Germany
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11
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Diaz IM, Nocon A, Held SAE, Kobilay M, Skowasch D, Bronkhorst AJ, Ungerer V, Fredebohm J, Diehl F, Holdenrieder S, Holtrup F. Pre-Analytical Evaluation of Streck Cell-Free DNA Blood Collection Tubes for Liquid Profiling in Oncology. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13071288. [PMID: 37046506 PMCID: PMC10093569 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13071288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Excellent pre-analytical stability is an essential precondition for reliable molecular profiling of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in oncological diagnostics. Therefore, in vitro degradation of ctDNA and the additional release of contaminating genomic DNA from lysed blood cells must be prevented. Streck Cell-Free DNA blood collection tubes (cfDNA BCTs) have proposed advantages over standard K2EDTA tubes, but mainly have been tested in healthy individuals. Blood was collected from cancer patients (n = 53) suffering from colorectal (n = 21), pancreatic (n = 11), and non-small-cell lung cancer (n = 21) using cfDNA BCT tubes and K2EDTA tubes that were processed immediately or after 3 days (BCTs) or 6 hours (K2EDTA) at room temperature. The cfDNA isolated from these samples was characterized in terms of yield using LINE-1 qPCR; the level of gDNA contamination; and the mutation status of KRAS, NRAS, and EGFR genes using BEAMing ddPCR. CfDNA yield and gDNA levels were comparable in both tube types and were not affected by prolonged storage of blood samples for at least 3 days in cfDNA BCTs or 6 hours in K2EDTA tubes. In addition, biospecimens collected in K2EDTA tubes and cfDNA BCTs stored for up to 3 days demonstrated highly comparable levels of mutational load across all respective cancer patient cohorts and a wide range of concentrations. Our data support the applicability of clinical oncology specimens collected and stored in cfDNA BCTs for up to 3 days for reliable cfDNA and mutation analyses.
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12
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Buckley DN, Gooden G, Feng K, Enk J, Salhia B. Targeted DNA methylation from cell-free DNA using hybridization probe capture. NAR Genom Bioinform 2022; 4:lqac099. [PMID: 36601578 PMCID: PMC9803870 DOI: 10.1093/nargab/lqac099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-free (cf)DNA signatures are quickly becoming the target of choice for non-invasive screening, diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of human tumors. DNA methylation changes occur early in tumorigenesis and are widespread, making cfDNA methylation an attractive cancer biomarker. Already a proven technology for targeted genome sequencing, hybridization probe capture is emerging as a method for high-throughput targeted methylation profiling suitable to liquid biopsy samples. However, to date there are no reports describing the performance of this approach in terms of reproducibility, scalability, and accuracy. In the current study we performed hybridization probe capture using the myBaits® Custom Methyl-seq kit on 172 plasma samples and standards to evaluate its performance on cfDNA methylation analysis. The myBaits® assay showed high target recovery (>90%), demonstrated excellent reproducibility between captures (R 2 = 0.92 on average), and was unaffected by increasing the number of targets in a capture. Finally, myBaits® accurately replicated 'gold standard' beta values from WGBS (average R 2 = 0.79). The results of this study show that custom targeted methylation sequencing with myBaits® offers a cost-effective, reliable platform to profile DNA methylation at a set of discrete custom regions, with potential applicability to liquid biopsies for cancer monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- David N Buckley
- Department of Translational Genomics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gerald Gooden
- Department of Translational Genomics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kuan Feng
- Daicel Arbor Biosciences, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jacob Enk
- Daicel Arbor Biosciences, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Bodour Salhia
- Department of Translational Genomics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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13
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Gianni C, Palleschi M, Merloni F, Di Menna G, Sirico M, Sarti S, Virga A, Ulivi P, Cecconetto L, Mariotti M, De Giorgi U. Cell-Free DNA Fragmentomics: A Promising Biomarker for Diagnosis, Prognosis and Prediction of Response in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:14197. [PMID: 36430675 PMCID: PMC9695769 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying novel circulating biomarkers predictive of response and informative about the mechanisms of resistance, is the new challenge for breast cancer (BC) management. The integration of omics information will gradually revolutionize the clinical approach. Liquid biopsy is being incorporated into the diagnostic and decision-making process for the treatment of BC, in particular with the analysis of circulating tumor DNA, although with some relevant limitations, including costs. Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragmentomics and its integrity index may become a cheaper, noninvasive biomarker that could provide significant additional information for monitoring response to systemic treatments in BC. The purpose of our review is to focus on the available research on cfDNA integrity and its features as a biomarker of diagnosis, prognosis and response to treatments in BC, highlighting new perspectives and critical issues for future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Gianni
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Michela Palleschi
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Filippo Merloni
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Giandomenico Di Menna
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Marianna Sirico
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Samanta Sarti
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Alessandra Virga
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Paola Ulivi
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Cecconetto
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Marita Mariotti
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Ugo De Giorgi
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
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14
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Bronkhorst AJ, Ungerer V, Oberhofer A, Gabriel S, Polatoglou E, Randeu H, Uhlig C, Pfister H, Mayer Z, Holdenrieder S. New Perspectives on the Importance of Cell-Free DNA Biology. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:2147. [PMID: 36140548 PMCID: PMC9497998 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12092147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [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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Affiliation(s)
- Abel J. Bronkhorst
- Munich Biomarker Research Center, Institute for Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Centre, Technical University Munich, Lazarettstraße 36, D-80636 Munich, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Stefan Holdenrieder
- Munich Biomarker Research Center, Institute for Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Centre, Technical University Munich, Lazarettstraße 36, D-80636 Munich, Germany
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