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Das D, Avssn R, Chittela RK. A phenol-chloroform free method for cfDNA isolation from cell conditioned media: development, optimization and comparative analysis. Anal Biochem 2024; 687:115454. [PMID: 38158107 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2023.115454] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The non-invasive invasive nature of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as diagnostic, prognostic, and theragnostic biomarkers has gained immense popularity in recent years. The clinical utility of cfDNA biomarkers may depend on understanding their origin and biological significance. Apoptosis, necrosis, and/or active release are possible mechanisms of cellular DNA release into the cell-free milieu. In-vitro cell culture models can provide useful insights into cfDNA biology. The yields and quality of cfDNA in the cell conditioned media (CCM) are largely dependent on the extraction method used. Here, we developed a phenol-chloroform-free cfDNA extraction method from CCM and compared it with three others published cfDNA extraction methods and four commercially available kits. Real-Time PCR (qPCR) targeting two different loci and a fluorescence-based Qubit assay were performed to quantify the extracted cfDNA. The absolute concentration of the extracted cfDNA varies with the target used for the qPCR assay; however, the relative trend remains similar for both qPCR assays. The cfDNA yield from CCM provided by the developed method was found to be either higher or comparable to the other methods used. In conclusion, we developed a safe, rapid and cost-effective cfDNA extraction protocol with minimal hands-on time; with no compromise in cfDNA yields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhruv Das
- Applied Genomics Section, Bioscience Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Anushaktinagar, Trombay, Mumbai, 400094, India
| | - Rao Avssn
- Applied Genomics Section, Bioscience Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India
| | - Rajani Kant Chittela
- Applied Genomics Section, Bioscience Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Anushaktinagar, Trombay, Mumbai, 400094, India.
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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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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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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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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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Tagawa M, Aoki M. Clinical utility of liquid biopsy in canine oral malignant melanoma using cell-free DNA. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1182093. [PMID: 37408834 PMCID: PMC10319414 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1182093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cell-free DNA (cfDNA), an extracellular free DNA released into the bloodstream by cells, is a potentially useful noninvasive marker to detect human malignancies and monitor response to treatment. In the present study, we evaluated the utility of circulating cfDNA in canine patients with oral malignant melanoma (OMM) in assessing therapeutic response and clinical outcomes. Methods Plasma samples were collected from 12 dogs with OMM and 9 healthy controls. cfDNA concentration was quantified by real-time PCR resulting in short (99bp) and long (218bp) fragments of long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1), and the DNA integrity index (DII) was then calculated (218/99). A follow-up study was conducted on 6 dogs with OMM, and the plasma cfDNA and DII were quantified throughout disease progression. Results Although cfDNA levels obtained from dogs with OMM were not significantly different compared to those obtained from healthy controls, the DII was significantly lower in dogs with OMM than in healthy controls. The DII tended to decrease as the disease stage progressed. Moreover, changes in cfDNA concentration and DII along the clinical course were observed when major changes, such as metastasis or apparent tumor progression, were observed. Discussion The results of our study suggest that measurements of serum cfDNA and DII using LINE-1 might be valuable new biomarkers for monitoring OMM progression in dogs. This preliminary study demonstrated the potential clinical utility of monitoring plasma cfDNA in canine patients with OMM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michihito Tagawa
- Veterinary Medical Center, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
- Department of Veterinary Associated Science, Okayama University of Science, Imabari, Japan
| | - Minori Aoki
- Veterinary Medical Center, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
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Koval AP, Khromova AS, Blagodatskikh KA, Zhitnyuk YV, Shtykova YA, Alferov AA, Kushlinskii NE, Shcherbo DS. Application of PCR-based approaches for evaluation of cell-free DNA fragmentation in colorectal cancer. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1101179. [PMID: 37051326 PMCID: PMC10083340 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1101179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing is the core of most liquid biopsy assays. In particular, cfDNA fragmentation features could facilitate non-invasive cancer detection due to their interconnection with tumor-specific epigenetic alterations. However, the final cfDNA fragmentation profile in a purified sample is the result of a complex interplay between informative biological and artificial technical factors. In this work, we use ddPCR to study cfDNA lengths in colorectal cancer patients and observe shorter and more variable cfDNA fragments in accessible chromatin loci compared to the densely packed pericentromeric region. We also report a convenient qPCR system suitable for screening cfDNA samples for artificial high molecular weight DNA contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia P. Koval
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexandra S. Khromova
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Konstantin A. Blagodatskikh
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- Center of Genetics and Reproductive Medicine “Genetico”, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yulia V. Zhitnyuk
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Aleksandr A. Alferov
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, N. N. Blokhin Cancer Research Medical Center of Oncology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nikolay E. Kushlinskii
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry, N. N. Blokhin Cancer Research Medical Center of Oncology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry S. Shcherbo
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- *Correspondence: Dmitry S. Shcherbo,
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Cell-Free DNA Fragmentomics: A Promising Biomarker for Diagnosis, Prognosis and Prediction of Response in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214197. [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] [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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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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