New alterations at potentially regulated regions of the Glial Derived Neurotrophic Factor gene in bipolar disorder

INTRODUCTION

Glial Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) plays an important role in the survival and differentiation of neurons. We examined 5'upstream and 3' untranslated region of the GDNF gene by PCR amplification and direct sequencing to explore the effect of alteration in the potentially regulated part of GDNF in bipolar disorder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-six patients with bipolar disorder, 27 first degree relatives of these patients and 56 healthy volunteers were screened for mutations and polymorphisms in GDNF gene.

RESULTS

Seven previously reported polymorphisms and additional three novel allele variants of GDNF were detected. Association test of rs2075680 C>A SNP showed significant difference between patients and healthy subjects with higher allele frequency in healthy subjects performing Chi-square test. However, there was no significant difference after multiple test corrections between groups. There were no significant differences in association test of rs2075680 C>A SNP between first degree relatives and healthy volunteers/patients. rs142426358 T>C SNP was seen only in one patient with an early age of illness onset. New T>A alterations were found in chromosome locations 5:37812784 and 5:37812782 in two male bipolar disorder patients with age of illness onset 12 and 24 years.

LIMITATIONS

The sample size was relatively small.

DISCUSSION

Our study proposes the suggestive association between polymorphisms in the potential regulatory sites of GDNF and bipolar disorder.

Downregulation of VANGL1 inhibits cellular invasion rather than cell motility in hepatocellular carcinoma cells without stimulation

AIMS

The Wnt planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway is one of the Wnt pathways which plays a critical role in cell proliferation and fate. The VANGL1 protein is one of Wnt-PCP pathway components. It is known that Wnt-PCP pathway has major roles in cell motility but its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression through invasion and metastasis needs to be clarified.

METHODS

We silenced VANGL1 gene expression in the HepG2 HCC cell line by stable transfection with a vector containing siRNA template for VANGL1 and investigated the change in cell invasion and motility.

RESULTS

Transfected cells with the siRNA template showed significantly suppressed invasive capacity when compared to controls although cellular motility was only slightly affected.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed a basal role for VANGL1 with respect to the invasive capacity of HCC cells. This suggests that the Wnt-PCP pathway may play a role in progression of HCC through cellular invasion but further studies are needed to clarify its role in cell motility.

Correlation of clinical data and expression levels of six tumor supressor genes in breast cancer

Abstract #1058

As the scientists and physicians began to share more information for improving the personalization in medicine, we aimed to check the expression profiles for major tumor suppressor genes of 70 breast tumor samples obtained from the Dokuz Eylul Breast Tumor Biobank. We tried to figure out the levels of expressions of tumor suppressor genes by the quantity of the RNA which belongs to the examined gene in the tumor tissue samples. The expression level was measured by quantitative RT-PCR using total RNA extracted from the tissues. Fluorescence amplification plots were observed and the Ct values were used for comparing the expression levels. For quantification, we chose to normalize the Ct differences by using Genorm software with averaging four housekeeping genes (PUM1, RPL13A, ACTB, B2M). Correlation analysis is performed between genetic expression levels and the data obtained from the clinical records of the biobank.
 Although further statistical analysis is still continuing, we observed direct significant correlations between ki67 level and BRCA1 expression and between intraductal component level and CDH1 expression. Also significant relations between tubuler formation and BRCA1 expression; between intraductal component and P16 expression were observed. Dermal infiltration had significant correlatios with both TIMP3 and P16 expressions. Significant inverse correlation between estrogen receptor level and BRCA1 expression were found as well as the inverse correlation between progesteron receptor level and TIMP3 and BRCA1 expression levels. Staging had only significant correlations with TIMP3 levels.
 We also found out that expression status of BRCA1 and BRCA2; BRCA2 and CDH1; BRCA1 and GSTP1, and GSTP1 and TIMP3 shows significant correlations within themselves.
 *This study is supported by TÜBITAK, The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkiye.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 1058.

beta-catenin gene mutation in invasive ductal breast cancer

PURPOSE

Aberrant accumulation of beta-catenin plays an important role in a variety of human neoplasms. In this study we analyzed the somatic mutations of the beta-catenin gene and the immunohistochemical localization of beta-catenin and cyclin D1 in invasive ductal breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We investigated 65 human invasive ductal breast cancer samples for somatic mutations in the exons 3, 4, 5 and 6 of beta-catenin gene (N-terminal region) by the combined use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and sequencing. Sample tissues were also analyzed using beta-catenin and cyclin D1 immunocytochemistry staining.

RESULTS

No beta-catenin mutation was detected in any of the tumor samples. Accumulation of aberrant beta-catenin protein in cellular compartments in the same breast cancer samples was confirmed with a related experiment by immunocytochemical methods.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that genetic defects in beta-catenin is not common in invasive ductal breast cancers, whereas mutations in other components of the Wnt signaling pathway should be considered.

A pilot study for human tumor/DNA banking: returned more questions than answers

A pilot study was performed for setting up the Dokuz Eylül University Breast Tumor DNA Bank (DEUBTB) to facilitate the sharing of tumor DNA/RNA samples and related data from cases collected by collaborators specializing in the breast cancer diseases between 2004 and 2006. The pilot study aimed to provide answers for certain questions on: (1) ethical concerns (informing the volunteer for donating specimen, anonymizing the sample information, procedure on sample request), (2) obtaining and processing samples (technical issues, flowchart), (3) storing samples and their products (storing forms and conditions), (4) clinical database (which clinical data to store), (5) management organization (quality and quantity of personnel, flowchart for management relations), (6) financial issues (establishment and maintenance costs). When the bank had 64 samples, even though it is quite ready to supply samples for a research project, it revealed many questions on details that may be answered in more than one way, pointing that all biobanks need to be controlled by a higher degree of management party which develops and offers quality standards for these establishments.

Familial pericentric inversion chromosome 3 and R448C mutation of CYP11B1 gene in Turkish kindred with 11beta-hydroxylase deficiency

11beta-hydroxylase deficiency is the second most common cause of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). This isoenzyme is coded by two highly homologous genes of cytochrome P450: CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 which were mapped to the chromosomal band 8q24. The aim of this study was to perform a series of molecular and cytogenetic analyses in two families with 11beta-hydroxylase deficiency of the Turkish kindred. Mutational analysis was carried out by directly sequencing the PCR products of CYP11B1 gene. We performed fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) experiments with consecutive bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones to map the breakpoints of the inversion of chromosome 3 which was detected during the karyotypic analysis of the propositus. Homozygous R448C mutations were detected in 2 individuals with 11beta-hydroxylase deficiency. Interestingly, karyotypic change of pericentric inversion [inv(3)(p13q24)] was detected in both individuals who are cousins, one transmitted paternally and the other maternally. The breakpoint at 3p included one interesting gene PPP4R2. Here we present the data of two Turkish families' members having 11beta-hydroxylase deficiency coupled with the familial chromosomal aberration of inv(3)(p13q24). Our data suggest that codon 448, which is a mutational hot spot in CYP11B1 causing 11beta-hydroxylase deficiency, is not restricted to Jews of Moroccan origin. Phenotypic variations observed in former studies in patients homozygous for R448H were stated to be due to other factors outside the CYP11B1 locus. The breakpoint in 3p might be a candidate region affecting variations in phenotypes of 11beta-hydroxylase deficiency.

Correlation of modified Shimada classification with MYCN and 1p36 status detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization in neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a childhood cancer derived from neural crest cells, with a highly variable clinical course and biologic behavior. NB cells harbor complex genetic changes. Also, MYCN amplification is a well-known molecular marker for aggressive progression, and deletion of the short arm of chromosome 1 is frequently observed in NB. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between genetic markers and prognostic morphological parameters to address the biology and underlying the clinical complexity of NB. Therefore, we performed fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses of chromosome band 1p36 and MYCN in a series of tumors from 43 cases classified according to the recommendation of International Neuroblastoma Pathology Committee (modification of Shimada classification). The correlations of MYCN amplification status and two distinct types of 1p36 alterations (deletion and imbalance) with Shimada classification and histologic prognostic factors were statistically analyzed. Amplification of MYCN and 1p36 deletion was present in 14 (32.6%) and 18 (41.9%) cases, respectively. Sixteen cases (37.2%) displayed a favorable histology, while 27 (62.8%) had an unfavorable histology. The 1p36 deletion was found to be an independent predictor of unfavorable histology by multivariate analysis (logistic regression test, P = 0.03), but the 1p36 imbalance did not show any significance. Both 1p36 deletion and MYCN amplification showed significant correlation with undifferentiated tumors (chi-square test, P = 0.002 and 0.03, respectively). Highly significant correlation was found between the higher mitotic karyorrhectic index (MKI) and MYCN amplification (chi-square test, P < 0.001), whereas neither 1p36 deletion nor 1p36 imbalance significantly correlated with a higher MKI (chi-square test, P > 0.05). We conclude that 1p36 deletion may be a reliable parameter in determining unfavorable histology and predicting prognosis in NB. Further studies with prognostic data are needed to highlight its clinical significance.

Hyperbilirubinemic Serum Is Cytotoxic and Induces Apoptosis in Murine Astrocytes

BACKGROUND

High levels of unconjugated bilirubin can be neurotoxic and gliotoxic. However, the effect of serum from patients with neonatal indirect hyperbilirubinemia on astrocyte viability has never been investigated.

OBJECTIVES

In the present study, we searched for the possible toxic effect of hyperbilirubinemic serum on murine astrocytes.

METHODS

Heat-inactivated patient serum was added to astrocyte cultures at different concentrations varying from 1 to 20%, and cultures were incubated for 24, 48, and 72 h. Sera from healthy infants without hyperbilirubinemia were used as controls. Cytotoxicity was evaluated according to the release of lactate dehydrogenase in the culture medium. Apoptotic cell death was determined by anti-single-strand DNA immunostaining.

RESULTS

The results of the present study show that hyperbilirubinemic serum induces cytotoxicity and apoptotic astrocyte death in a concentration- and time-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that serum from patients with neonatal indirect hyperbilirubinemia is cytotoxic to murine astrocytes.

Analysis of cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) exon 1 polymorphism in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus in a Turkish population

Recent studies have described linkage and association between cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) gene polymorphism and type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) in some ethnic populations, but not others. This finding suggests that CTLA-4 gene association with DM1 may be influenced by the racial composition of the population. Thus, it is important to study the polymorphism of the CTLA-4 gene in different ethnic groups. In this case-control association study, the CTLA-4 gene exon 1 A/G polymorphism was analyzed in 48 children with DM1 and 80 healthy controls using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. The possible interaction of the CTLA-4 gene polymorphism with the presence of established genetic markers (HLA-DR genotyping) was also evaluated in 29 patients. The results of the present study do not suggest an association of the known polymorphism in exon 1 of the CTLA-4 gene with DM1 in this Turkish population, and G-allele containing CTLA-4 genotypes were not preferentially associated with age at clinical presentation or with presence of other genetic (HLA-DR3 or -DR4) markers of DM1.

DNA copy number changes detected by comparative genomic hybridization and their association with clinicopathologic parameters in breast tumors

The purpose of this study was to use comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) to screen breast tumors for copy number changes: 22 ductal, 9 lobular, 7 mixed, 2 micropapillary carcinomas, and 2 ductal carcinoma in situ were studied and various regional genomic imbalances were detected. The majority of the aberrations identified in this study were in line with previous CGH findings. The most frequent DNA sequence copy number changes were 1q, 8q, and 20q gains. The frequency of 16q losses was significantly higher in lobular carcinomas. The nodal involvement was 10 times higher in cases showing losses of 13q than in cases having normal peak profile at this region. Estrogen receptor positivity was significantly higher in cases displaying 20q gains and 16q losses. Unambiguous high-level DNA amplifications have also been detected. These mapped to 4q31, 6q21 approximately q22, 8q21 approximately q24, 8p11.2 approximately p12, 11q13, 15q24 approximately qter, 20q13.1 approximately qter, and 20q12 approximately qter chromosomal locations. Our results highlight several chromosomal regions that may be important in the molecular genetics of distinct clinicopathologic breast cancer subgroups.

Microsatellite instability in early-onset breast cancer

Breast cancer in a young person is considered a rare and very aggressive disease. The theories addressing the underlying genetic mechanisms of this disease are controversial. Therefore, additional genetic concepts playing a possible role in its pathogenesis and prognosis must be investigated. Microsatellite instability (MSI) characterized by a mutational process of insertions or deletions in microsatellite repeats might constitute a sensitive indicator for genomic instability in cancer. MSI has been described in a wide variety of tumors, particularly in hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer. The reports regarding its occurrence and prognostic significance in breast cancer are in conflict with each other. The purpose of this study was to investigate MSI in early-onset breast cancer and to correlate its occurrence with clinicopathological prognisticators. In this study, 16 female patients with primary breast cancer under 35 years of age (range 29-34) were investigated for the incidence of MSI in five microsatellite loci (D2S123, D3S1611, D17S807, D17S796 and Xq11-12) by comparing paired normal and tumor tissue DNA after PCR amplification from paraffin-embedded tissues. No instability was found in any of these five microsatellite loci. Although care must be taken not to overstate the importance of this result due to the inadequate number of microsatellite markers and DNA samples studied, this preliminary report indicates that MSI phenotype is uncommon in human early-onset breast cancer. Therefore, it does not appear to be related to the prognosis of disease.

Mosaic form (45X/46XX) of Turner's syndrome. A case report

BACKGROUND

Turner's syndrome (TS) is a sex chromosome disorder occurring in 1 in 2,500 female births and in approximately 50 in 100,000 adult females and is characterized by retarded growth, gonadal dysgenesis and infertility. The 45,X/46,XX chromosomal pattern is the most frequent mosaic type of this disease (36%).

CASE

The mosaic form of TS was diagnosed in a 25-year-old, nulliparous woman whose major symptoms were menstrual irregularity and menorrhagia. She had normal development of secondary sexual characteristics and spontaneous menarche despite a very low amount (7%) of normal cells.

CONCLUSION

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding is very uncommon in TS. Mosaic forms of TS may have very few features of TS despite a very low range of normal cells.

Microsatellite instability is not a common feature in medullary breast cancer

Microsatellite instability (MSI) is a form of genomic instability associated with defective DNA mismatch repair in tumors. MSI is found in 85-90% of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer cases; however, its occurrence in breast carcinogenesis still remains to be clarified. In addition, data are limited on the incidence of MSI in the medullary subtype. The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence of MSI in medullary breast cancer (MBC). The study included a total of 16 patients with MBC, nine with typical and seven with atypical histology. The incidence of MSI in five microsatellite loci (D2S123, D3S1611, D17S807, D17S796 and Xq11-12) was determined by comparing paired normal and tumor tissue DNA after PCR amplification from paraffin-embedded tissues. All 16 tumors showed stability at five loci. Although the number of microsatellite markers and DNA samples may limit the value of our results, we conclude that the MSI phenotype is uncommon in human MBC.

Consistent loss of heterozygosity at 14Q32 in lymphoid blast crisis of chronic myeloid leukemia

Little is understood about the basic biological mechanisms that underlie the reasons for acute transformation in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Progression of disease may include inactivation of one or more tumor suppressor genes (TSGs). A widely used methodology for indirectly detecting somatic inactivation of TSGs is searching loss of heterozygosity (LOH) for polymorphic loci located in or near the gene(s) of interest. We aimed to analyze DNA of chronic phase and blastic phase archive material of 15 CML patients for LOH using D1S430, D2S123, D3S1611, D11S29, D14S65, D17S520, BAT 40 markers, the dinucleotide repeat located in the ABL gene and the trinucleotide repeat located in the BCR gene (amplification of the trinucleotide in the BCR gene could not be succeeded). LOH was identified by a %50 lost of one of the alleles intensity. LOH was detected with the ABL dinucleotide repeat and D2S123 marker in two patients and with the D14S65 marker in three patients. The three patients exhibiting LOH at the D14S65 locus, all proceeded through lymphoid blast crisis. The D14S65 marker is located at the 14q32 locus which contains the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene and the TCL1 oncogene. 14q32 abnormalities at the molecular level, may be predictive for lymphoid blast crisis, whether or not they are detectable cytogenetically.

BRCA1, C-erbB-2, and H-ras gene expressions in young women with breast cancer. An immunohistochemical study

Young age does not seem to be directly related to the aggressiveness of the disease among patients with breast cancer. Identification and analysis of the alterations in a susceptibility gene expression in breast cancer occurring in young women may allow identification of those patients in whom tumors will show an aggressive clinical course. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the association of BRCA1, H-ras, and c-erbB-2 gene expression with clinicopathologic parameters of prognosis in breast cancer. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue from 35 patients with breast cancer younger than 35 years were immunohistochemically stained for BRCA1, H-ras, and c-erbB-2 expression with monoclonal antibodies. For each antibody, immunoreactivity was assessed by a semiquantitative scoring system. Each case was also graded according to the modified Bloom-Richardson criteria and evaluated for Ki-67 labeling index, hormonal status, tumor size, distant metastasis, and axillary lymph node involvement. Strong expression of c-erbB-2 and H-ras were observed in 9 cases (25.7%) and 13 cases (37.2%), respectively. Loss of BRCA1 expression was found in five cases (14.3%). Statistical analysis showed that loss of BRCA1 expression was significantly associated with higher Ki-67 labeling index and greater tumor size. In addition, stronger H-ras expression was significantly associated with lymph node involvement and distant metastasis. However, c-erbB-2 immunoreactivity did not show statistical significance with any prognostic parameters. We conclude that, although care must be taken not to overstate the importance of our results in view of the lack of information on clinical outcome, alterations in BRCA1 and H-ras gene expression might be of prognostic importance because of the role of H-ras protein on metastatic behavior and the role of BRCA1 protein on tumor growth. However, c-erbB-2 expression seems to be of no importance in the prognosis of breast cancer occurring in young women.

Development of acute promyelocytic leukemia with isochromosome 17q after BCR/ABL positive chronic myeloid leukemia

We describe a pediatric case of acute promyelocytic leukemia with an i(17q) after treatment of BCR/ABL positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) for 3.5 years. The patient was treated with Busulphan, alpha-2a interferon, hydroxyurea, and cytosine arabinoside at various times in the course of the chronic phase of CML, because he had no HLA-identical donor for bone marrow transplantation. Hematologic remission was achieved for a short time, but cytogenetic remission was never possible. When promyelocytic blast crisis was diagnosed according to the French-American-British classification, cytogenetic studies revealed an i(17q) as a new feature in our patient. The promyelocytic transformation was associated with the appearance of an i(17q) preceding CML are discussed in the light of recent literature.

A Turkish family with 6.7 Kb deletion associated with isolated growth hormone deficiency type 1A

Familial growth hormone deficiency type 1A is an autosomal recessive disease caused by homogenous deletions of both alleles of growth hormone gene 1 (hGH1) in various patterns. The hGH1 gene deletion is an event that probably occurs between the 5' and 3' flanking regions by unequal recombination, and results in deletion of the hGH1 gene in different patterns. Deletions are mostly 6.7 kb and rarely 7.0 kb, 7.6 kb and 45 kb in size. A four-year-old girl diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency syndrome was send to us for further evaluation. DNA samples of the patient, her parents and controls were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR); furthermore, restriction endonuclease analysis was done with Sma I enzyme and the patterns were evaluated. Our gel electrophoresis results show that the gene deletion pattern of the patient represents a homogenous 6.7 kb deletion, while her parents had a heterogeneous 6.7 kb deletion pattern.

Two brothers with a 7.0 kb gene deletion associated with isolated growth hormone deficiency type 1A

Familial growth hormone deficiency type 1A is an autosomal recessive disease, caused by various homogenous deletions of both alleles of growth hormone gene 1 (hGH1). The hGH1 gene deletion is an event occurring between the 5' and the 3' flanking regions by unequal recombination, which causes a deletion in the hGH1 gene, mostly of 6.7 kb and rarely 7.6 or 7.0 kb in size. Two brothers diagnosed with GH deficiency syndrome were sent to our hospital for further evaluation. DNA samples of the probands and controls were amplified by PCR; restriction endonuclease analysis was done with Sma I enzyme and the patterns were evaluated. Gel electrophoresis results showed that the two brothers had a 7.0 kb deletion. These are the third and fourth cases reported with a 7.0 kb deletion. Both patients responded well to replacement therapy and did not develop antibodies against rGH. No other relatives presented with macro deletions in the hGH1 gene.

SCE frequency of herpes simplex virus type I infected cells

The effects of herpes simplex virus type I (HSV-I) on SCE frequencies in human lymphocytes in vitro were investigated. SCE frequencies in controls (mean +/- 1SD 5.2 +/- 1.6) and in cells exposed to the virus for 3 and 6 h (mean +/- 1SD 5.3 +/- 1.6 and 5.8 +/- 1.6 respectively) were about the same. However, cells infected for 9 to 24 h showed a significant increase of SCE frequencies (p < 0.05).

A case of mixed gonadal dysgenesis with 45 X/46 XY karyotype and aortic coarctation

We report a case of mixed gonadal dysgenesis with 45 X/46 XY karyotype and aortic coarctation. An eight month-old patient was admitted to our endocrinology department for evaluation of ambiguous genitalia. On physical examination, a wide neck with a low posterior hairline, bifid scrotum, small phallus, testis in the right labioscrotal fold, single orifice and typical findings of aortic coarctation were present. The chromosome karyotype of the patient was 45 X/46 XY. On the laparotomy there was an infantile uterus, fallopian tubes, and a streak gonad on the left. The follow-up of the patient included sex assignment, genital reconstruction and cardiovascular treatment.

Sister chromatid exchange in lymphocytes of patients with cancer of the larynx

The frequency of sister chromatid exchange (SCE) was studied in cultured peripheral lymphocytes from 15 untreated patients with carcinoma of the larynx and 10 healthy control subjects. Bromodeoxyuridine-incorporated chromosomes were treated with Hoechst 33258 and stained according to conventional methods. To measure SCE frequency, at least 15 mitoses per donor were evaluated. The SCE values were found to be higher in cancer cases than in control cases.

Herpes simplex type 2 neutralization antibodies in patients with cancers of urinary bladder, prostate, and cervix

In the blood samples obtained from a total of 68 patients with cancers of the urinary bladder, prostate, and cervix, who applied to the Departments of Urology, Obstetrics, and Gynecology of Hacettepe Medical Faculty, neutralizing antibodies were sought for against herpes simplex type 2 by neutralization test. The same test was applied to 35 control patients with no known malignancies. In contrast to the presence of the antibody in 62.86% of the control subjects, this ratio was 90.70% in patients with cancer of the urinary bladder, 87.50% in those with prostatic carcinoma, and 88.89% in those with cancer of the cervix.