Detection and precise mapping of germline rearrangements in BRCA1, BRCA2, MSH2, and MLH1 using zoom-in array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH).

Johan Staaf, Therese Törngren, Eva Rambech, Ulla Johansson, Camilla Persson, Gunilla Sellberg, Lina Tellhed, Mef Nilbert, Ake Borg

    34 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Disease-predisposing germline mutations in cancer susceptibility genes may consist of large genomic rearrangements that are challenging to detect and characterize using standard PCR-based mutation screening methods. Here, we describe a custom-made zoom-in microarray comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) platform of 60mer oligonucleotides. The 4 x 44 K array format provides high-resolution coverage (200-300 bp) of 400-700 kb genomic regions surrounding six cancer susceptibility genes. We evaluate its performance to accurately detect and precisely map earlier described or novel large germline deletions or duplications occurring in BRCA1 (n=11), BRCA2 (n=2), MSH2 (n=7), or MLH1 (n=9). Additionally, we demonstrate its applicability for uncovering complex somatic rearrangements, exemplified by zoom-in analysis of the PTEN and CDKN2A loci in breast cancer cells. The sizes of rearrangements ranged from several 100 kb, including large flanking regions, to <500-bp deletions, including parts of single exons that would be missed by standard multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) methods. Zoom-in CGH arrays accurately defined the borders of rearrangements, allowing convenient design of primers for sequence determination of the breakpoints. The array platform can be streamlined for a particular application, e.g., focusing on breast cancer susceptibility genes, with increased capacity using multiformat design, and represents a valuable new tool and complement for genetic screening in clinical diagnostics.
    Udgivelsesdato: 2008-Apr
    Original languageEnglish
    JournalHuman Mutation
    Volume29
    Issue number4
    Pages (from-to)555-64
    Number of pages9
    ISSN1059-7794
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2008

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