We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Events

09 Apr 2024 - 12 Apr 2024
15 Apr 2024 - 17 Apr 2024
23 Apr 2024 - 26 Apr 2024

Mapping Genes Could Improve Cancer Diagnosis

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 20 Jul 2017
Print article
Image: A 3D model of a chromosome, using the Hi-C visualization technique (Photo courtesy of Babraham Institute).
Image: A 3D model of a chromosome, using the Hi-C visualization technique (Photo courtesy of Babraham Institute).
Large-scale changes to the structure of the genome are often seen in cancer cells and scientists have found a way to detect these changes, which could enhance cancer diagnosis and aid the use of targeted treatments.

Chromosomal rearrangements occur constitutionally in the general population and somatically in the majority of cancers. Detection of balanced rearrangements, such as reciprocal translocations and inversions, is troublesome, which is particularly detrimental in oncology where rearrangements play diagnostic and prognostic roles.

A team of medical scientists led by those at the Babraham Institute (Cambridge, UK) has developed a new application of a technique called Hi-C, which allows scientists to map how genetic material is arranged inside cells. By analyzing this information, investigators can reliably identify major genetic changes that other methods may miss. This all comes at a lower cost than standard DNA sequencing methods.

Hi-C can detect chromosome rearrangements, where large sections of DNA are exchanged or moved between pieces of the genome called chromosomes, and also copy number variation, where genetic material gets copied or deleted. Both of these changes can have drastic effects on how the cell behaves. The team used Hi-C to examine the genome of cancer cells from six people with brain tumors. They were able to identify major genome changes, often with pinpoint accuracy. Uniquely, this approach allows doctors and scientists to study genetic changes in the wider context of the whole genome. Hi-C could become a powerful tool for understanding the complex genetic changes found in many cancers.

The use of Hi-C on the six primary tumor samples revealed amplifications of known oncogenes, deletions of a tumor suppressor gene and many structural rearrangements, both balanced and unbalanced. One balanced rearrangement studied in detail was shown to result in the fusion of two genes known to be involved in cancer. Hi-C does not rely on the presence of dividing cells and can be used on all nucleated cell types. It is therefore a powerful tool in the analysis of solid tumors, where cytogenetic analysis is difficult and rarely performed as part of routine diagnosis/analysis, yet fusion genes can play a critical clinical role. Hi-C allows these tumors to be interrogated and provides a means to alleviate the bias in detection of both chromosomal rearrangements and fusion genes towards blood borne cancers.

Peter Fraser, PhD, a professor and the lead investigator of the study said, “Hi-C could play a pivotal role in the detection of chromosomal abnormalities and may aid the discovery of new fusion genes. The technique works with much lower quality samples than current techniques and has the additional advantage of being able to provide copy number information from the same data. This all comes at a significantly lower cost than standard methods that use DNA sequencing.” The study was published on June 27, 2017, in the journal Genome Biology.

Related Links:
Babraham Institute

Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
HLX
Complement 3 (C3) Test
GPP-100 C3 Kit
Gold Member
Xylazine Immunoassay Test
Xylazine ELISA

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The OvaCis Rapid Test discriminates benign from malignant epithelial ovarian cysts (Photo courtesy of INEX)

Intra-Operative POC Device Distinguishes Between Benign and Malignant Ovarian Cysts within 15 Minutes

Ovarian cysts represent a significant health issue for women globally, with up to 10% experiencing this condition at some point in their lives. These cysts form when fluid collects within a thin membrane... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.