Project description:Large scale analysis of balanced chromosomal translocation breakpoints has shown nonhomologous end joining and microhomology-mediated repair to be the main drivers of interchromosomal structural aberrations. Breakpoint sequences of de novo unbalanced translocations have not yet been investigated systematically. We analyzed 12 de novo translocations and mapped the breakpoints in 9. Surprisingly, in contrast to balanced translocations, we identify non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR) between (retro)transposable elements and especially long interspersed elements (LINEs) as the main mutational mechanism. This finding implicates (retro)transposons to be a major driver of genomic rearrangements and exposes a profoundly different mutational mechanism compared to balanced chromosomal translocations. Furthermore, we show the existence of compound maternal/paternal derivative chromosomes, reinforcing the hypothesis that human cleavage stage embryogenesis is a cradle of chromosomal rearrangements. In total 36 non-amplified genomic DNA samples (12 patients plus parents) extracted from blood or amniocytes were analyzed by 250K Nsp I SNP arrays (GEO accession number GPL3718).
Project description:Large scale analysis of balanced chromosomal translocation breakpoints has shown nonhomologous end joining and microhomology-mediated repair to be the main drivers of interchromosomal structural aberrations. Breakpoint sequences of de novo unbalanced translocations have not yet been investigated systematically. We analyzed 12 de novo translocations and mapped the breakpoints in 9. Surprisingly, in contrast to balanced translocations, we identify non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR) between (retro)transposable elements and especially long interspersed elements (LINEs) as the main mutational mechanism. This finding implicates (retro)transposons to be a major driver of genomic rearrangements and exposes a profoundly different mutational mechanism compared to balanced chromosomal translocations. Furthermore, we show the existence of compound maternal/paternal derivative chromosomes, reinforcing the hypothesis that human cleavage stage embryogenesis is a cradle of chromosomal rearrangements.
Project description:Four unrelated families with the same unbalanced translocation der(4)t(4;11)(p16.2;p15.4) were identified. Both of the breakpoint regions in 4p16.2 and 11p15.4 were narrowed to large ~359-kb and ~215-kb low-copy repeat (LCR) clusters, respectively, by aCGH and SNP array analyses. DNA sequencing enabled mapping the breakpoints of one translocation to 24-bp within interchromosomal paralogous LCRs of ~130-kb in length and 94.7% DNA sequence identity located in olfactory receptor gene clusters, indicating nonallelic homologous recombination (NAHR) as the mechanism for translocation. To investigate the potential involvement of interchromosomal LCRs in recurrent chromosomal translocation formation, we performed computational genome-wide analyses and identified 5292 interchromosomal LCR substrate pairs, > 5-kb in size and sharing > 94% sequence identity that can potentially mediate chromosomal translocations. Additional proof for interchromosomal NAHR mediated translocation formation was provided by sequencing the breakpoints of another recurrent translocation, der(8)t(8;12)(p23.1;p13.31). The NAHR sites were mapped within 55-bp in ~7.8-kb paralogous subunits of 95.3% sequence identity located in the ~579-kb (chr8) and ~287-kb (chr12) LCR clusters. We demonstrate that NAHR mediates recurrent constitutional translocations throughout the human genome and provide a computationally determined genome-wide “recurrent translocation map”.
Project description:Recombination-mediated linking of homologous chromosomes is a unique meiotic feature that enables the halving of chromosomal ploidy in sexual life cycles. Meiotic recombination is initiated by programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) that are generated by focal multi-protein clusters that condense onto chromosomal axes by poorly understood mechanisms. We discovered in mice that a DBF4-dependent kinase (DDK)–modulated interaction between IHO1 and the chromosomal axis component HORMAD1 effects the formation of axis-bound IHO1 platforms that enhance nucleation of cytologically distinguishable DSB-machinery clusters. This IHO1-HORMAD1-mediated seeding of the DSB-machinery ensures that sufficient DSBs form for efficient pairing of homologous chromosomes. In the absence of IHO1-HORMAD1 interaction, residual DSB activity depends on ANKRD31, which enhances both the seeding and the growth of DSB-machinery clusters. Thus, meiotic DSBs are ensured by complementing pathways that differentially effect seeding and growth of DSB-machinery clusters, and that synergistically enable assembly of the DSB machinery on chromosomal axes.
Project description:Recombination-mediated linking of homologous chromosomes is a unique meiotic feature that enables the halving of chromosomal ploidy in sexual life cycles. Meiotic recombination is initiated by programmed DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) that are generated by focal multi-protein clusters that condense onto chromosomal axes by poorly understood mechanisms. We discovered in mice that a DBF4-dependent kinase (DDK)–modulated interaction between IHO1 and the chromosomal axis component HORMAD1 effects the formation of axis-bound IHO1 platforms that enhance nucleation of cytologically distinguishable DSB-machinery clusters. This IHO1-HORMAD1-mediated seeding of the DSB-machinery ensures that sufficient DSBs form for efficient pairing of homologous chromosomes. In the absence of IHO1-HORMAD1 interaction, residual DSB activity depends on ANKRD31, which enhances both the seeding and the growth of DSB-machinery clusters. Thus, meiotic DSBs are ensured by complementing pathways that differentially effect seeding and growth of DSB-machinery clusters, and that synergistically enable assembly of the DSB machinery on chromosomal axes.
Project description:Unbalanced translocations are a relatively common type of copy number variation and are a major contributor to neurodevelopmental disorders. We analyzed the breakpoints of 57 unique unbalanced translocations to investigate the mechanisms of how they form. 51 are simple unbalanced translocations between two different chromosome ends, and six rearrangements have more than three breakpoints involving two to five chromosomes. Sequencing 37 breakpoint junctions revealed that simple translocations have between zero and four basepairs (bp) of microhomology (n=26), short inserted sequences (n=8), or paralogous repeats (n=3) at the junctions, indicating that translocations do not arise primarily from non-allelic homologous recombination, but instead form most often via non-homologous end joining or microhomology-mediated break-induced replication. Three simple translocations fuse genes that are predicted to produce in-frame transcripts of SIRPG-WWOX, SMOC2-PROX1, and PIEZO2-MTA1, which may lead to gain of function. Three complex translocations have inversions, insertions, and multiple breakpoint junctions between only two chromosomes. Whole- genome sequencing and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of two de novo translocations revealed at least 18 and 33 breakpoints involving five different chromosomes. Breakpoint sequencing of one inherited translocation involving four chromosomes uncovered multiple breakpoints with inversions and insertions. All of these breakpoint junctions had zero to four bp of microhomology consistent with germline chromothripsis, and both de novo events occurred on paternal alleles. Breakpoint sequencing of our large collection of chromosome rearrangements offers a comprehensive analysis of the molecular mechanisms behind germline translocation formation. High resolution array CGH; two-color experiment, clinical patient vs. normal control gDNA; sex mis-matched
Project description:Unbalanced translocations are a relatively common type of copy number variation and are a major contributor to neurodevelopmental disorders. We analyzed the breakpoints of 57 unique unbalanced translocations to investigate the mechanisms of how they form. 51 are simple unbalanced translocations between two different chromosome ends, and six rearrangements have more than three breakpoints involving two to five chromosomes. Sequencing 37 breakpoint junctions revealed that simple translocations have between zero and four basepairs (bp) of microhomology (n=26), short inserted sequences (n=8), or paralogous repeats (n=3) at the junctions, indicating that translocations do not arise primarily from non-allelic homologous recombination, but instead form most often via non-homologous end joining or microhomology-mediated break-induced replication. Three simple translocations fuse genes that are predicted to produce in-frame transcripts of SIRPG-WWOX, SMOC2-PROX1, and PIEZO2-MTA1, which may lead to gain of function. Three complex translocations have inversions, insertions, and multiple breakpoint junctions between only two chromosomes. Whole- genome sequencing and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of two de novo translocations revealed at least 18 and 33 breakpoints involving five different chromosomes. Breakpoint sequencing of one inherited translocation involving four chromosomes uncovered multiple breakpoints with inversions and insertions. All of these breakpoint junctions had zero to four bp of microhomology consistent with germline chromothripsis, and both de novo events occurred on paternal alleles. Breakpoint sequencing of our large collection of chromosome rearrangements offers a comprehensive analysis of the molecular mechanisms behind germline translocation formation.
Project description:Genome editing with programmable nucleases has shown great promise for clinical translation but also revealed the risk of genotoxicity caused by chromosomal translocations or the insertion of mutations at off-target sites. Here, we describe CAST-Seq, an innovative assay to identify and quantify chromosomal aberrations derived from on- and off-target activities of CRISPR-Cas nucleases or TALENs. CAST-Seq also detected novel types of chromosomal rearrangements, including homology-mediated translocations that are mediated by homologous recombination. Depending on the employed designer nuclease, translocations occurred in 0–0.5% of gene-edited human stem cells and some 20% of target loci harbored gross aberrations. In conclusion, CAST-Seq analyses are particularly relevant for therapeutic editing of stem cells to enable a thorough risk assessment before clinical application of gene editing products.
Project description:Four unrelated families with the same unbalanced translocation der(4)t(4;11)(p16.2;p15.4) were identified. Both of the breakpoint regions in 4p16.2 and 11p15.4 were narrowed to large ~359-kb and ~215-kb low-copy repeat (LCR) clusters, respectively, by aCGH and SNP array analyses. DNA sequencing enabled mapping the breakpoints of one translocation to 24-bp within interchromosomal paralogous LCRs of ~130-kb in length and 94.7% DNA sequence identity located in olfactory receptor gene clusters, indicating nonallelic homologous recombination (NAHR) as the mechanism for translocation. To investigate the potential involvement of interchromosomal LCRs in recurrent chromosomal translocation formation, we performed computational genome-wide analyses and identified 5292 interchromosomal LCR substrate pairs, > 5-kb in size and sharing > 94% sequence identity that can potentially mediate chromosomal translocations. Additional proof for interchromosomal NAHR mediated translocation formation was provided by sequencing the breakpoints of another recurrent translocation, der(8)t(8;12)(p23.1;p13.31). The NAHR sites were mapped within 55-bp in ~7.8-kb paralogous subunits of 95.3% sequence identity located in the ~579-kb (chr8) and ~287-kb (chr12) LCR clusters. We demonstrate that NAHR mediates recurrent constitutional translocations throughout the human genome and provide a computationally determined genome-wide “recurrent translocation map”. Affymetrix Genome-Wide SNP Array 6.0 arrays (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, California) were employed to define the breakpoints on chromosomes 4, 8, 11, and 12. Analysis was performed according to the Genome-Wide Human SNP Nsp/Sty Assay Kit 5.0/6.0 protocol provided by the supplier. The arrays were scanned using a GeneChip® Scanner 3000 7G (Affymetrix, Inc.) and results were analyzed using Genotyping Console version 2.1 software. patient 1: Version 5 BAC array contained 853 BAC/PAC clones designed to cover genomic regions of 75 known genomic disorders, all 41 subtelomeric regions, and 43 pericentromeric regions. For each patient sample, two experiments were performed with reversal of the dye labels for the control and test samples. patient 2: Version 5.1 BAC array contained 853 BAC/PAC clones designed to cover genomic regions of 75 known genomic disorders, all 41 subtelomeric regions, and 43 pericentromeric regions. For each patient sample, two experiments were performed with reversal of the dye labels for the control and test samples. patient 3: The BAC emulated Version 6.1 OLIGO array was comprised of approximately 42,460 oligonucleotides representing 1400 BAC clones, covering ~150 genomic disorders, all 41 subtelomeric regions up to 12 Mb and 43 pericentromeric regions with backbone coverage of every chromosome at the 650-band level of cytogenetic resolution (http://www.bcm.edu/geneticlabs/cma/tables.html). The 42.46K oligonucleotides (oligos) were selected from initial testing of 105,000 oligos derived from the Agilent eArray library with strict selection criteria and removal of repetitive sequences to ensure optimal performance with greater dynamic range. This targeted 42.46 K OLIGO array (V6 OLIGO) corresponds to genomic regions covered by the V6 BAC arrays and was manufactured in a 4 x 44K format with an average of 28-30 oligos per region previously covered by a single BAC clone. patient 5: The BAC emulated Version 6.3 OLIGO array was comprised of approximately 43,580 oligonucleotides representing 1400 BAC clones, covering ~150 genomic disorders, all 41 subtelomeric regions up to 12 Mb and 43 pericentromeric regions with backbone coverage of every chromosome at the 650-band level of cytogenetic resolution (http://www.bcm.edu/geneticlabs/cma/tables.html). This targeted OLIGO array corresponds to genomic regions covered by the V6 BAC arrays and was manufactured in a 4 x 44K format with an average of 28-30 oligos per region previously covered by a single BAC clone. patient 6: The BAC emulated Version 6.4 OLIGO array was comprised of approximately 43,700 oligonucleotides representing 1400 BAC clones, covering ~150 genomic disorders, all 41 subtelomeric regions up to 12 Mb and 43 pericentromeric regions with backbone coverage of every chromosome at the 650-band level of cytogenetic resolution (http://www.bcm.edu/geneticlabs/cma/tables.html). This targeted OLIGO array corresponds to genomic regions covered by the V6 BAC arrays and was manufactured in a 4 x 44K format with an average of 28-30 oligos per region previously covered by a single BAC clone. Patient 4 was a known t(4;11) translocation patient form previous report and only ran on Affymetrix array.
Project description:In most eukaryotes, the meiotic chromosomal bouquet (comprising clustered chromosome ends) provides an ordered chromosome arrangement that facilitates pairing and recombination between homologous chromosomes. In the protist Tetrahymena thermophila, the meiotic prophase nucleus stretches enormously and chromosomes assume a bouquet-like arrangement in which telomeres and centromeres are attached to opposite poles of the nucleus. We have identified and characterized three meiosis-specific genes (MELG1-3) that control nuclear elongation and centromere and telomere clustering. Hence, to find out potential interactions, we did LC-MS/MS analysis for Melg1, Melg2, Melg3, and Tass1 (a partner of Melg3) immunoprecipitation samples.