Project description:The role of somatic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations in leukemogenesis remains poorly characterized. To determine the impact of somatic mtDNA mutations on the process, we assessed the leukemogenic potential of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) from mtDNA mutator mice (Polg D257A) with or without NMyc overexpression. We observed a higher incidence of spontaneous leukemogenesis in recipients transplanted with heterozygous Polg HPCs and a lower incidence of NMyc-driven leukemia in those with homozygous Polg HPCs compared to controls. Although mtDNA mutations in heterozygous and homozygous HPCs caused similar baseline impairments in mitochondrial function, only heterozygous HPCs responded to and supported altered metabolic demands associated with NMyc overexpression. Homozygous HPCs showed altered glucose utilization with pyruvate dehydrogenase inhibition due to increased phosphorylation, exacerbated by NMyc overexpression. The impaired growth of NMyc-expressing homozygous HPCs was partially rescued by inhibiting pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase, highlighting a relationship between mtDNA mutation burden and metabolic plasticity in leukemogenesis.
Project description:The objective of the study is the provide proof of high correlation between somatic and germline mismatch repair instability. This correlation is specifically researched in an area where patients have less access to cancer education and genetic testing for various reasons such as lack of insurance and general accessibility.
The study concentrates on early diagnosis of Lynch syndrome. Lynch syndrome is usually diagnosed from a blood test resulting in a mutation of one of the mismatch repair genes. Those are MLH1, MSH2, MSH 6, PMS2. A mutation in one of these genes creates a mismatch repair instability,hence higher incidence of cancers in specific organ groups. Amongst these organs are the Uterus, Ovaries, Upper genitourinary system, Pancreas and GI system.
The most common endometrial carcinoma which is found in Lynch syndrome is of endometrioid histology. Most patients with known germline mismatch repair instability, have the same somatic mutation. Our study is looking into correlating somatic mutation to germline mutation.
By doing so, patients diagnosed with somatic mismatch repair instability will be also diagnosed with lynch syndrome without germline genetic testing.
Screening programs will be utilized earlier and preventive procedures offered.
Due to less access to educational programs, genetic counseling and testing in underserved areas, patients are sometimes lost to follow up. Our study seeks to prove high correlation between somatic and germline mutations and by doing so, patient will be diagnosed with Lynch syndrome straight after endometrial cancer staging. As a result, increased compliance will be expected and patients will be offered the recommended preventative surgeries and screening protocols.
Project description:This SuperSeries is composed of the following subset Series: GSE17816: Somatic Mutation Screen of Clear Cell RCC I GSE17818: Somatic Mutation Screen of Clear Cell RCC II Systematic somatic mutation screening of 4000 genes in human clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Information on corresponding somatic mutations in each sample can be found at http://www.sanger.ac.uk/genetics/CGP/Studies/.
Project description:Systematic somatic mutation screening of 4000 genes in human clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Information on corresponding somatic mutations in each sample can be found at http://www.sanger.ac.uk/genetics/CGP/Studies/.