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Anne De Paepe

Publications and source records attributed to Anne De Paepe.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Expression analyses identify MLL as a prominent target of 11q23 amplification and support an etiologic role for MLL gain of function in myeloid malignancies.

MLL amplification was recently recognized as a recurrent aberration in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodys-plastic syndrome (MDS), associated with adverse prognosis and karyotype complexity. Here we present detailed results of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and expression analyses of MLL and 5 selected 11q candidate oncogenes (CBL, DDX6, ETS1, FLI1, and PLZF) in 31 patient samples and one cell line with 11q23 gain. FISH analyses revealed that the 11q23 amplicon invariably encompassed MLL, DDX6, ETS1, and FLI1, whereas expression analyses identified MLL and DDX6 as the most differentially expressed genes among samples with and without 11q23 copy gain or amplification. In MLL-amplified samples, a significant transcriptional up-regulation of MEIS1, PROML1, ADAM10, NKG2D, and ITPA was noted. Further analyses, designed to elucidate a possible role of the 11q overexpressed genes (MLL, DDX6, FLI1, and ETS1) in unselected MDS and AML samples, revealed a significant upregulation of MLL in MDS. Our findings confirm the MLL gene as a prominent target of 11q23 amplification and provide further evidence for an etiologic role for MLL gain of function in myeloid malignancies. In addition, our results indicate that the transcriptional program associated with MLL rearrangements and MLL overexpression displays significant similarities.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Application of laser capture microdissection in genetic analysis of neuroblastoma and neuroblastoma precursor cells.

Recently developed quantitative and high-throughput technologies that allow automated and rapid screening of the whole genome, transcriptome and proteome have revolutionized the field of cancer genetics. At the same time, new challenges are met, e.g. the need for improved data analysis and standardization of tumor sample handling. Even if these issues are resolved, an 'old' problem in genetic tumor analysis remains, i.e. contamination of tumor samples by stromal and surrounding normal cells. To overcome this obstacle, laser capture microdissection (LCM) has been developed in order to procure the cells of interest from stained tissue sections with retention of morphology. In this review we describe the possible down-stream applications of LCM in the genetic analysis of neuroblastoma (NB). Special focus is given to MYCN copy number determination using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR), analysis of 1p-, 3p- and 11q-deletions using loss of heterozygosity analysis and Q-PCR expression analysis of microdissected normal neuroblast cells and NB cells.

DNA, Neoplasm↗
PubMed2003

Homozygous mutations in IHH cause acrocapitofemoral dysplasia, an autosomal recessive disorder with cone-shaped epiphyses in hands and hips.

Acrocapitofemoral dysplasia is a recently delineated autosomal recessive skeletal dysplasia, characterized clinically by short stature with short limbs and radiographically by cone-shaped epiphyses, mainly in hands and hips. Genomewide homozygosity mapping in two consanguineous families linked the locus to 2q35-q36 with a maximum two-point LOD score of 8.02 at marker D2S2248. Two recombination events defined the minimal critical region between markers D2S2248 and D2S2151 (3.74 cM). Using a candidate-gene approach, we identified two missense mutations in the amino-terminal signaling domain of the gene encoding Indian hedgehog (IHH). Both affected individuals of family 1 are homozygous for a 137C-->T transition (P46L), and the three patients in family 2 are homozygous for a 569T-->C transition (V190A). The two mutant amino acids are strongly conserved and predicted to be located outside the region where brachydactyly type A-1 mutations are clustered.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Loss-of-function mutations in FGFR1 cause autosomal dominant Kallmann syndrome.

We took advantage of overlapping interstitial deletions at chromosome 8p11-p12 in two individuals with contiguous gene syndromes and defined an interval of roughly 540 kb associated with a dominant form of Kallmann syndrome, KAL2. We establish here that loss-of-function mutations in FGFR1 underlie KAL2 whereas a gain-of-function mutation in FGFR1 has been shown to cause a form of craniosynostosis. Moreover, we suggest that the KAL1 gene product, the extracellular matrix protein anosmin-1, is involved in FGF signaling and propose that the gender difference in anosmin-1 dosage (because KAL1 partially escapes X inactivation) explains the higher prevalence of the disease in males.

Cell Adhesion Molecules↗
PubMed2003

FOXL2 and BPES: mutational hotspots, phenotypic variability, and revision of the genotype-phenotype correlation.

Blepharophimosis syndrome (BPES), an autosomal dominant syndrome in which an eyelid malformation is associated (type I) or not (type II) with premature ovarian failure (POF), has recently been ascribed to mutations in FOXL2, a putative forkhead transcription factor gene. We previously reported 22 FOXL2 mutations and suggested a preliminary genotype-phenotype correlation. Here, we describe 21 new FOXL2 mutations (16 novel ones) through sequencing of open reading frame, 5' untranslated region, putative core promoter, and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis. Our study shows the existence of two mutational hotspots: 30% of FOXL2 mutations lead to polyalanine (poly-Ala) expansions, and 13% are a novel out-of-frame duplication. In addition, this is the first study to demonstrate intra- and interfamilial phenotypic variability (both BPES types caused by the same mutation). Furthermore, the present study allows a revision of the current genotype-phenotype correlation, since we found exceptions to it. We assume that for predicted proteins with a truncation before the poly-Ala tract, the risk for development of POF is high. For mutations leading to a truncated or extended protein containing an intact forkhead and poly-Ala tract, no predictions are possible, since some of these mutations lead to both types of BPES, even within the same family. Poly-Ala expansions may lead to BPES type II. For missense mutations, no correlations can be made yet. Microdeletions are associated with mental retardation. We conclude that molecular testing may be carefully used as a predictor for POF risk in a limited number of mutations.

5' Untranslated Regions↗
PubMed2003

RTPrimerDB: the real-time PCR primer and probe database.

The real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methodology has become increasingly popular for nucleic acids detection and/or quantification. As primer/probe design and experimental evaluation is time-consuming, we developed a public database application for the storage and retrieval of validated real-time PCR primer and probe sequence records. The integrity and accuracy of the data are maintained by linking to and querying other reference databases. RTPrimerDB provides free public access through the Web to perform queries and submit user based information. Primer/probe records can be searched for by official gene symbol, nucleotide sequence, type of application, detection chemistry, LocusLink or Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) identifier, and submitter's name. Each record is directly linked to LocusLink, dbSNP and/or PubMed to retrieve additional information on the gene/SNP for which the primers/probes are designed. Currently, the database contains primer/probe records for human, mouse, rat, fruit fly and zebrafish, and all current detection chemistries such as intercalating dyes (SYBR Green I), hydrolysis probes (Taqman), adjacent hybridizations probes and molecular beacons. Real-time PCR primer/probe records are available at http://www.realtimeprimerdatabase.ht.st.

DNA Primers↗
PubMed2003

Differentiating pathogenic mutations from polymorphic alterations in the splice sites of BRCA1 and BRCA2.

About 4% of all BRCA1 and BRCA2 alterations reported to the Breast Information Core database are splice site variants. Only a limited number of them have been studied at the RNA level. By BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation analysis of breast/ovarian cancer families, we identified two novel and eight previously reported potential splice site mutations, never characterized at the cDNA level before. RT-PCR was performed to determine whether these variants disrupted correct splicing. To ensure efficient detection of transcripts containing premature termination codons, a nonsense-mediated mRNA decay inhibitor was added to the lymphoblastoid cell lines of the patients before RNA extraction. We found that BRCA1 IVS3+3A>C, 4304G>A (in the last codon of exon 12), and IVS19+2delT and BRCA2 IVS6+1G>A, IVS23-2A>G, and IVS24+1G>A lead to aberrant transcripts in lymphocytes. Therefore, they were considered to be true pathogenic mutations, predisposing carriers to cancers of the hereditary breast/ovarian cancer syndrome. BRCA2 IVS24-16T>C is a frequent polymorphism in linkage disequilibrium, with a polymorphic stop codon in exon 27, K3326X. BRCA1 IVS2-14C>T and BRCA2 IVS9-5insT and IVS25+9A>C represent rare variants, not disrupting normal splicing in blood lymphocytes. However, some of the alterations may act differently, qualitatively and/or quantitatively, in breast or ovarian tissues. The data provided in this paper allowed more accurate risk estimation of patients and relatives carrying the mutations described herein and have facilitated genetic counseling. Furthermore, our study is important for a better understanding of splicing mechanisms and revealed new patterns of alternative splicing in BRCA1 and BRCA2.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Update of the UMD-FBN1 mutation database and creation of an FBN1 polymorphism database.

Fibrillin is the major component of extracellular microfibrils. Mutations in the fibrillin gene on chromosome 15 (FBN1) were first described in the heritable connective disorder, Marfan syndrome (MFS). FBN1 has also been shown to harbor mutations related to a spectrum of conditions phenotypically related to MFS, called "type-1 fibrillinopathies." In 1995, in an effort to standardize the information regarding these mutations and to facilitate their mutational analysis and identification of structure/function and phenotype/genotype relationships, we created a human FBN1 mutation database, UMD-FBN1. This database gives access to a software package that provides specific routines and optimized multicriteria research and sorting tools. For each mutation, information is provided at the gene, protein, and clinical levels. This tool is now a worldwide reference and is frequently used by teams working in the field; more than 220,000 interrogations have been made to it since January 1998. The database has recently been modified to follow the guidelines on mutation databases of the HUGO Mutation Database Initiative (MDI) and the Human Genome Variation Society (HGVS), including their approved mutation nomenclature. The current update shows 559 entries, of which 421 are novel. UMD-FBN1 is accessible at www.umd.be/. We have also recently developed a FBN1 polymorphism database in order to facilitate diagnostics.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Evidence for involvement of a tumor suppressor gene on 1p in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are rare soft-tissue malignancies. The genetic basis of these tumors is still poorly understood. Cytogenetic analyses predominantly revealed complex karyotypes, precluding the identification of recurrent chromosomal changes. We report loss of 1p material in a near-diploid karyotype with few or no additional structural chromosome changes in two sporadic cases of MPNST, indicating an important role of 1p loss in MPNST development. In one of these two tumors, a distal 1p deletion (1p31.2 approximately pter) was detected suggesting involvement of a tumor suppressor gene located within this distal region of 1p. Further evidence for recurrent 1p loss in MPNST was obtained by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization, which showed loss of 1p material in 3 out of 13 tumors. These findings together with data from the literature suggest that loss of a tumor suppressor gene located within distal 1p is implicated in the pathogenesis of MPNST.

Child↗
PubMed2002

Combined karyotyping, CGH and M-FISH analysis allows detailed characterization of unidentified chromosomal rearrangements in Merkel cell carcinoma.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare aggressive neuroendocrine tumor of the skin. Cytogenetic studies have indicated that deletions and unbalanced translocations involving chromosome 1 short arm material occur in 40% of the investigated cases. Recurrent chromosomal imbalances detected by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) analysis were loss of 3p, 10q, 13q and 17p and gains of 1q, 3q, 5p and 8q. In order to study genomic aberrations occurring in MCC in further detail, we combined karyotyping, CGH and multiplex-fluorescence in situ hybridization (M-FISH), a strategy that proved to be successful in the analysis of other malignancies. Analysis of 6 MCC cell lines and 1 MCC tumor revealed mostly near-diploid karyotypes with an average of 5 chromosomal rearrangements. The observed karyotypic changes were heterogeneous, with 3-27 breakpoints per case, leading to imbalance of the involved chromosomal regions that was confirmed by CGH. Chromosomal rearrangements involving the short arm of chromosome 1, the long arm of chromosome 3 and gain of 5p material were the most frequently observed abnormalities in our study. In keeping with previous observations, this series of MCCs showed no evidence for high-level amplification. We provid a detailed description of chromosomal translocations occurring in MCC that could be useful to direct future intensive investigation of these chromosomal regions.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

Homozygosity for a missense mutation in fibulin-5 (FBLN5) results in a severe form of cutis laxa.

Hereditary cutis laxa comprises a heterogeneous group of connective tissue disorders characterized by loose skin and variable systemic involvement. Autosomal dominant and recessive as well as X-linked forms have been described. Some dominant forms are caused by mutations in the elastine gene (ELN). The X-linked form is now classified in the group of copper transport diseases. The genetic defect underlying the autosomal recessive (AR) forms of cutis laxa is not known. The phenotypic abnormalities recently observed in a fibulin-5 knockout mouse model are reminiscent of human AR cutis laxa type I. Both share cutis laxa, lung emphysema and arterial involvement. Molecular study of the fibulin-5 (FBLN5) gene in a large consanguineous Turkish family with four patients affected by AR cutis laxa type I demonstrated the presence of a homozygous missense mutation (T998C) in the FBLN5 gene resulting in a serine-to-proline (S227P) substitution in the fourth calcium-binding epidermal growth factor-like domain of fibulin-5 protein. This amino acid substitution is predicted to have important structural and functional consequences for normal elastogenesis. As such, we provide evidence that a genetic defect in fibulin-5 (FBLN5, also known as EVEC or DANCE) is responsible for a recessive form of cutis laxa in humans.

Cutis Laxa↗
PubMed2002

Quantification of NF1 transcripts reveals novel highly expressed splice variants.

Previously, we have shown that the NF1 gene gives rise to multiple novel splice variants. In the present study, nine NF1 variants were quantified by real-time PCR in various human tissues. Some of these variants were expressed at low to moderate low levels and possible implications of these findings are discussed. Interestingly, two variants (NF1-DeltaE4b and NF1-DeltaE43) were shown to be highly expressed in specific tissues. NF1-DeltaE43 lacks a nuclear targeting sequence and might be functionally different from full-length NF1. These novel NF1 splice variants might expand our understanding of the role of neurofibromin.

Alternative Splicing↗
PubMed2002

Accurate normalization of real-time quantitative RT-PCR data by geometric averaging of multiple internal control genes.

BACKGROUND: Gene-expression analysis is increasingly important in biological research, with real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) becoming the method of choice for high-throughput and accurate expression profiling of selected genes. Given the increased sensitivity, reproducibility and large dynamic range of this methodology, the requirements for a proper internal control gene for normalization have become increasingly stringent. Although housekeeping gene expression has been reported to vary considerably, no systematic survey has properly determined the errors related to the common practice of using only one control gene, nor presented an adequate way of working around this problem. RESULTS: We outline a robust and innovative strategy to identify the most stably expressed control genes in a given set of tissues, and to determine the minimum number of genes required to calculate a reliable normalization factor. We have evaluated ten housekeeping genes from different abundance and functional classes in various human tissues, and demonstrated that the conventional use of a single gene for normalization leads to relatively large errors in a significant proportion of samples tested. The geometric mean of multiple carefully selected housekeeping genes was validated as an accurate normalization factor by analyzing publicly available microarray data. CONCLUSIONS: The normalization strategy presented here is a prerequisite for accurate RT-PCR expression profiling, which, among other things, opens up the possibility of studying the biological relevance of small expression differences.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2002

Pathological splice mutations outside the invariant AG/GT splice sites of BRCA1 exon 5 increase alternative transcript levels in the 5' end of the BRCA1 gene.

We report two novel mutations in the splice sites of BRCA1 exon 5: IVS5+3A>G, a Belgian founder mutation, and IVS3-6T>G, identified in one family with a strong family history of breast cancer. Real-time RT-PCR showed that IVS3-6T>G leads to a fivefold increase of the BRCA1-Deltaex5 (isoform with an in frame skip of exon 5) ratio to the total BRCA1 expression level. IVS5+3A>G results in a 10-fold increase of the BRCA1-Delta22ntex5 ratio (isoform with an out of frame skip of the last 22 nucleotides of exon 5) and a twofold increase of the BRCA1-Deltaex5 ratio. These altered ratios are most likely to result from increased expression of the alternative transcripts, although we cannot completely rule out a small decrease of the total BRCA1 expression level due to highly variable BRCA1 levels in cultured cell lines. In order to explore the functional significance of the isoforms, we evaluated their prevalence in normal tissues and cancer cell lines. The BRCA1-Delta22ntex5 ratio was significantly higher in an ovarian cancer cell line compared to normal ovarian tissue. Our findings suggest that revealing the defects caused by some splice mutations requires accurate quantitative methods. We hypothesize that disruption of alternative transcript ratios of BRCA1 may be a dominant mechanism affecting predisposition to hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer.

Alternative Splicing↗
PubMed2002

Complex splicing pattern generates great diversity in human NF1 transcripts.

BACKGROUND: Mutation analysis of the neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) gene has shown that about 30% of NF1 patients carry a splice mutation resulting in the production of one or several shortened transcripts. Some of these transcripts were also found in fresh lymphocytes of healthy individuals, albeit typically at a very low level. Starting from this initial observation, we were interested to gain further insight into the complex nature of NF1 mRNA processing. RESULTS: We have used a RT-PCR plasmid library based method to identify novel NF1 splice variants. Several transcripts were observed with specific insertions/deletions and a survey was made. This large group of variants detected in one single gene allows to perform a comparative analysis of the factors involved in splice regulation. Exons that are prone to skipping were systematically analysed for 5' and 3' splice site strength, branch point strength and secondary structure. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed a complex splicing pattern, generating a great diversity in NF1 transcripts. We found that, on average, exons that are spliced out in part of the mRNA have significantly weaker acceptor sites. Some variants identified in this study could have distinct roles and might expand our knowledge of neurofibromin.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

Kallmann syndrome in a patient with congenital spherocytosis and an interstitial 8p11.2 deletion.

We describe the hitherto smallest interstitial 8p11.2 deletion in a patient with congenital spherocytosis, dysmorphic features, and growth delay in association with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and anosmia. The latter features are characteristic for Kallmann syndrome. In contrast to the previously reported patients with 8p deletions, the present patient showed normal intelligence. Congenital spherocytosis is one of the most common hereditary hemolytic anemias. One of the three loci for congenital spherocytosis was assigned to chromosome 8p (located between 8p11.1 and 8p21) and mutations in or loss of the ankyrin-1 gene (ANK1) were identified. Molecular analysis confirmed the de novo loss of ANK1 in our patient. Kallmann syndrome, which is characterized by hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and anosmia, can be X-linked, autosomal dominant, or autosomal recessive. So far only the X-linked KAL1 gene has been identified. The present finding suggests an autosomal locus for Kallmann syndrome at 8p11.2. The simultaneous occurrence of congenital spherocytosis, Kallmann syndrome phenotype, dysmorphic features, and growth delay in this patient points to a new contiguous gene syndrome.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed2002

Localization of the 17q breakpoint of a constitutional 1;17 translocation in a patient with neuroblastoma within a 25-kb segment located between the ACCN1 and TLK2 genes and near the distal breakpoints of two microdeletions in neurofibromatosis type 1 patients.

We have constructed a 1.4-Mb P1 artificial chromosome/bacterial artificial chromosome (PAC/BAC) contig spanning the 17q breakpoint of a constitutional translocation t(1;17)(p36.2;q11.2) in a patient with neuroblastoma. Three 17q breakpoint-overlapping cosmids were identified and sequenced. No coding sequences were found in the immediate proximity of the 17q breakpoint. The PAC/BAC contig covers the region between the proximally located ACCN1 gene and the distally located TLK2 gene and SCYA chemokine gene cluster. The observation that the 17q breakpoint region could not be detected in any of the screened yeast artificial chromosome libraries and the localization of the 17q breakpoint in the vicinity of the distal breakpoints of two microdeletions in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 suggest that this chromosomal region is genetically unstable and prone to rearrangements.

Central Nervous System Neoplasms↗