Project description:Many human cancers present as multi-focal lesions. Understanding the clonal origin of multi-focal cancers is of both etiological and clinical importance. The molecular basis of multi-focal prostate cancer has previously been explored using only a limited number of isolated markers and, although independent origin is widely believed, the clonal origin of multi-focal prostate cancer is still debatable. We attempted to address clonal origin using a genome-wide copy-number analysis of individual cancer and high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) lesions. Using Affymetrix array 6.0 copy-number analysis, we compared the genomic changes detected in 54 individual cancer and HGPIN lesions, isolated from 20 clinically localized prostate cancer cases. Identical genomic copy-number changes, shared by all same-case cancer foci, were detected in all 16 informative multi-tumor cases. In addition, both HGPIN lesions in the two multi-HGPIN cases available shared identical genomic changes. Commonly known genomic alterations, including losses at 6q15, 8p21.3-8p21.2, 10q23.2-10q23.31, 13q21.31-13q21.32, 16q22.3, 16q23.2-16q23.3 and 21q22.2-21q22.3 regions and gain of 8q24.3 were the most frequently detected changes in this multi-focal prostate cancer study, occurring in all same-case foci in at least one case. Microarray data were confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization in selected foci. Our high-resolution genome-wide copy-number data suggest that many multi-focal cases derive from a single prostate cancer precursor clone and that this precursor may give rise to separate HGPIN foci, which through clonal expansion may progress to multi-focal invasive prostate cancer. These findings, which demonstrate the monoclonal origin of multi-focal prostate cancer, should significantly enhance our understanding of prostate carcinogenesis and potentially improve clinical management of the disease. Copy number analysis of Affymetrix SNP 6.0 array was performed for a total of 48 cancer and HGPIN lesions from 18 prostate cancer cases. All samples have case-matched normal controls. PL = high grade PIN from left side, PR = high grade PIN from right side, PM = high grade PIN from middle of the tissue, TL = tumour from left side, TR = tumour from right side.
Project description:Many human cancers present as multi-focal lesions. Understanding the clonal origin of multi-focal cancers is of both etiological and clinical importance. The molecular basis of multi-focal prostate cancer has previously been explored using only a limited number of isolated markers and, although independent origin is widely believed, the clonal origin of multi-focal prostate cancer is still debatable. We attempted to address clonal origin using a genome-wide copy-number analysis of individual cancer and high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) lesions. Using Affymetrix array 6.0 copy-number analysis, we compared the genomic changes detected in 54 individual cancer and HGPIN lesions, isolated from 20 clinically localized prostate cancer cases. Identical genomic copy-number changes, shared by all same-case cancer foci, were detected in all 16 informative multi-tumor cases. In addition, both HGPIN lesions in the two multi-HGPIN cases available shared identical genomic changes. Commonly known genomic alterations, including losses at 6q15, 8p21.3-8p21.2, 10q23.2-10q23.31, 13q21.31-13q21.32, 16q22.3, 16q23.2-16q23.3 and 21q22.2-21q22.3 regions and gain of 8q24.3 were the most frequently detected changes in this multi-focal prostate cancer study, occurring in all same-case foci in at least one case. Microarray data were confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization in selected foci. Our high-resolution genome-wide copy-number data suggest that many multi-focal cases derive from a single prostate cancer precursor clone and that this precursor may give rise to separate HGPIN foci, which through clonal expansion may progress to multi-focal invasive prostate cancer. These findings, which demonstrate the monoclonal origin of multi-focal prostate cancer, should significantly enhance our understanding of prostate carcinogenesis and potentially improve clinical management of the disease.
Project description:Many studies have shown that primary prostate cancers are multifocal1-3, and are composed of multiple genetically distinct cancer cell clones4-6. Whether or not multiclonal primary prostate cancers typically give rise to multiclonal or monoclonal prostate cancer metastases is largely unknown, although studies at single chromosomal loci are consistent with the latter. Here we show through a high-resolution genome-wide SNP and copy number survey that most if not all metastatic prostate cancers have monoclonal origins and maintain a unique signature copy number pattern of the parent cancer cell while also accumulating a variable number of separate subclonally sustained changes. We find no relationship between anatomic site of metastasis and genomic copy number change pattern. Taken together with past animal and cytogenetic studies of metastasis7, and recent single-locus genetic data in prostate and other metastatic cancers8-10, it appears that despite common genomic heterogeneity in primary cancers, most metastatic cancers arise from a single precursor cancer cell. Methodologically, this study establishes that genomic archeology of multiple anatomically separate metastatic cancers in individuals can be used to define the salient genomic features of a parent cancer clone of proven lethal metastatic phenotype.
Project description:Chromosomal instable colorectal cancer is marked by specific large chromosomal copy number aberrations. Recently, focal aberrations of 3Mb or smaller have been identified as a common phenomenon in cancer. Inherent to their limited size, these aberrations harbour one or few genes. The aim of this study is to identify recurrent focal chromosomal aberrations and their candidate driver genes in a well defined series of stage II colon cancers and assess their potential clinical relevance. High resolution DNA copy number profiles were obtained from 38 formalin fixed paraffin embedded colon cancer samples with matched normal mucosa as a reference using array comparative genomic hybridization. In total, 81 focal chromosomal aberrations were identified that harboured 177 genes. Statistical validation of focal aberrations and identification of candidate driver genes was performed by enrichment analysis and mapping copy number and mutation data of colorectal-, breast-, pancreatic cancer and glioblastomas to loci of focal aberrations in stage II colon cancer. This analysis demonstrated a significant overlap with previously identified focal amplifications in colorectal cancer, but not with cancers from other sites. In contrast, focal deletions seem less tumour type specific since they also show significant overlap with focal deletions of other sites. Focal deletions detected are significantly enriched for cancer genes and genes frequently mutated in colorectal cancer. The mRNA expression of these genes is significantly correlated with DNA copy number status, supporting the relevance of focal aberrations. Loss of 5q34 and gain of 13q22.1 were identified as independent prognostic factors of survival in this series of patients. In conclusion, focal chromosomal copy number aberrations in stage II colon cancer are enriched in cancer genes which contribute to and drive the process of colorectal cancer development. DNA copy number status of these genes correlate with mRNA expression and some are associated with clinical outcome.
Project description:Chromosomal instable colorectal cancer is marked by specific large chromosomal copy number aberrations. Recently, focal aberrations of 3Mb or smaller have been identified as a common phenomenon in cancer. Inherent to their limited size, these aberrations harbour one or few genes. The aim of this study is to identify recurrent focal chromosomal aberrations and their candidate driver genes in a well defined series of stage II colon cancers and assess their potential clinical relevance. High resolution DNA copy number profiles were obtained from 38 formalin fixed paraffin embedded colon cancer samples with matched normal mucosa as a reference using array comparative genomic hybridization. In total, 81 focal chromosomal aberrations were identified that harboured 177 genes. Statistical validation of focal aberrations and identification of candidate driver genes was performed by enrichment analysis and mapping copy number and mutation data of colorectal-, breast-, pancreatic cancer and glioblastomas to loci of focal aberrations in stage II colon cancer. This analysis demonstrated a significant overlap with previously identified focal amplifications in colorectal cancer, but not with cancers from other sites. In contrast, focal deletions seem less tumour type specific since they also show significant overlap with focal deletions of other sites. Focal deletions detected are significantly enriched for cancer genes and genes frequently mutated in colorectal cancer. The mRNA expression of these genes is significantly correlated with DNA copy number status, supporting the relevance of focal aberrations. Loss of 5q34 and gain of 13q22.1 were identified as independent prognostic factors of survival in this series of patients. In conclusion, focal chromosomal copy number aberrations in stage II colon cancer are enriched in cancer genes which contribute to and drive the process of colorectal cancer development. DNA copy number status of these genes correlate with mRNA expression and some are associated with clinical outcome. 38 Stage II colorectal cancer (CRC) tissue samples (FFPE) of which 19 were done on expression arrays. One sample (Stage II colorectal cancer tissue samples (FFPE) 26) was also done on the 135K NimbleGen array. Fresh frozen and FFPE of the same CRC stage I sample was done on 105K agilent. The fresh frozen was across array in silico set out against a pool of blood of 18 healthy females.
Project description:In this study, we present a case of parotid gland de novo carcinosarcoma. Salivary gland carcinosarcoma (or true malignant mixed tumor) is a rare biphasic neoplasm, composed of both malignant epithelial and malignant mesenchymal components. It is yet unclear whether these two phenotypes occur by collision of two independent tumors or if they are of clonal origin. To analyze the clonality of the different morphologic tumor components, oligonucleotide microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization (oaCGH) was performed on the carcinoma and the sarcoma entity separately. This technique enables a high-resolution, genome-wide overview of the chromosomal alterations in the distinct tumor elements. Analysis of both fractions showed a high number of DNA copy number changes. Losses were more prevalent than gains (82 and 49, respectively). The carcinomatous element displayed more chromosomal aberrations than the sarcomatous component. Specific amplifications of MUC20 (in mesenchymal element) and BMI-1 (in both elements) loci were observed. Overall homology between the two genomic profiles was 75%. DNA copy number profiles of the epithelial and mesenchymal components in this salivary gland carcinosarcoma displayed extensive overlap, indicating a monoclonal origin. Since losses are shared to a larger extent than gains, they seem to be more essential for initial oncogenic events. Furthermore, specific amplifications of a mucin and a Polycomb group gene imply these proteins in the tumorigenesis of carcinosarcomas.