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Biomedical subjects

David L Barker

Publications and source records attributed to David L Barker.

12 recordsLinked to original sources

Human embryonic stem cells have a unique epigenetic signature.

Human embryonic stem (hES) cells originate during an embryonic period of active epigenetic remodeling. DNA methylation patterns are likely to be critical for their self-renewal and pluripotence. We compared the DNA methylation status of 1536 CpG sites (from 371 genes) in 14 independently isolated hES cell lines with five other cell types: 24 cancer cell lines, four adult stem cell populations, four lymphoblastoid cell lines, five normal human tissues, and an embryonal carcinoma cell line. We found that the DNA methylation profile clearly distinguished the hES cells from all of the other cell types. A subset of 49 CpG sites from 40 genes contributed most to the differences among cell types. Another set of 25 sites from 23 genes distinguished hES cells from normal differentiated cells and can be used as biomarkers to monitor differentiation. Our results indicate that hES cells have a unique epigenetic signature that may contribute to their developmental potential.

Cell Differentiation↗

High-resolution genomic profiling of chromosomal aberrations using Infinium whole-genome genotyping.

Array-CGH is a powerful tool for the detection of chromosomal aberrations. The introduction of high-density SNP genotyping technology to genomic profiling, termed SNP-CGH, represents a further advance, since simultaneous measurement of both signal intensity variations and changes in allelic composition makes it possible to detect both copy number changes and copy-neutral loss-of-heterozygosity (LOH) events. We demonstrate the utility of SNP-CGH with two Infinium whole-genome genotyping BeadChips, assaying 109,000 and 317,000 SNP loci, to detect chromosomal aberrations in samples bearing constitutional aberrations as well tumor samples at sub-100 kb effective resolution. Detected aberrations include homozygous deletions, hemizygous deletions, copy-neutral LOH, duplications, and amplifications. The statistical ability to detect common aberrations was modeled by analysis of an X chromosome titration model system, and sensitivity was modeled by titration of gDNA from a tumor cell with that of its paired normal cell line. Analysis was facilitated by using a genome browser that plots log ratios of normalized intensities and allelic ratios along the chromosomes. We developed two modes of SNP-CGH analysis, a single sample and a paired sample mode. The single sample mode computes log intensity ratios and allelic ratios by referencing to canonical genotype clusters generated from approximately 120 reference samples, whereas the paired sample mode uses a paired normal reference sample from the same individual. Finally, the two analysis modes are compared and contrasted for their utility in analyzing different types of input gDNA: low input amounts, fragmented gDNA, and Phi29 whole-genome pre-amplified DNA.

Cell Line, Tumor↗

Genome wide profiling of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), their derivatives and embryonal carcinoma cells to develop base profiles of U.S. Federal government approved hESC lines.

BACKGROUND: In order to compare the gene expression profiles of human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines and their differentiated progeny and to monitor feeder contaminations, we have examined gene expression in seven hESC lines and human fibroblast feeder cells using Illumina bead arrays that contain probes for 24,131 transcript probes. RESULTS: A total of 48 different samples (including duplicates) grown in multiple laboratories under different conditions were analyzed and pairwise comparisons were performed in all groups. Hierarchical clustering showed that blinded duplicates were correctly identified as the closest related samples. hESC lines clustered together irrespective of the laboratory in which they were maintained. hESCs could be readily distinguished from embryoid bodies (EB) differentiated from them and the karyotypically abnormal hESC line BG01V. The embryonal carcinoma (EC) line NTera2 is a useful model for evaluating characteristics of hESCs. Expression of subsets of individual genes was validated by comparing with published databases, MPSS (Massively Parallel Signature Sequencing) libraries, and parallel analysis by microarray and RT-PCR. CONCLUSION: we show that Illumina's bead array platform is a reliable, reproducible and robust method for developing base global profiles of cells and identifying similarities and differences in large number of samples.

Carcinoma, Embryonal↗

High-throughput DNA methylation profiling using universal bead arrays.

We have developed a high-throughput method for analyzing the methylation status of hundreds of preselected genes simultaneously and have applied it to the discovery of methylation signatures that distinguish normal from cancer tissue samples. Through an adaptation of the GoldenGate genotyping assay implemented on a BeadArray platform, the methylation state of 1536 specific CpG sites in 371 genes (one to nine CpG sites per gene) was measured in a single reaction by multiplexed genotyping of 200 ng of bisulfite-treated genomic DNA. The assay was used to obtain a quantitative measure of the methylation level at each CpG site. After validating the assay in cell lines and normal tissues, we analyzed a panel of lung cancer biopsy samples (N = 22) and identified a panel of methylation markers that distinguished lung adenocarcinomas from normal lung tissues with high specificity. These markers were validated in a second sample set (N = 24). These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the method for reliably profiling many CpG sites in parallel for the discovery of informative methylation markers. The technology should prove useful for DNA methylation analyses in large populations, with potential application to the classification and diagnosis of a broad range of cancers and other diseases.

Base Sequence↗

Whole-genome genotyping with the single-base extension assay.

We describe an efficient, accurate and robust whole-genome genotyping (WGG) assay based on a two-color, single-base extension (SBE), single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-scoring step. We report genotyping results for biallelic International HapMap quality control (QC) SNPs using a single probe per locus. We show scalability, throughput and accuracy of the system by resequencing homozygous loci from our 100k Human-1 Genotyping BeadChip.

DNA Primers↗

A method for rapid protease substrate evaluation and optimization.

We have developed a high throughput assay for the measurement of protease activity in solution. This technology will accelerate research in functional proteomics and enable biologists to streamline protease substrate evaluation and optimization. The peptide sequences that serve as protease substrates in this assay are labeled on the carboxy terminus with a biotin moiety and a fluorescent tag is attached to the amino terminus. Protease cleavage causes the biotin containing fragment to be detached from the labeled peptide fragment. Following the protease treatment, all biotin containing species (uncleaved substrates and the cleaved carboxy terminal fragment of the substrate) are removed by incubation with streptavidin beads. The cleaved fluorescently labeled amino terminal part of the substrate remains in solution. The measured fluorescence intensity of the solution is directly proportional to the activity of the protease. This assay was validated using trypsin, chymotrypsin, caspase-3, subtilisin-A, enterokinase and tobacco etch virus protease.

Biological Assay↗

Significant improvement of quality for long oligonucleotides by using controlled pore glass with large pores.

A key factor influencing the quality of long oligonucleotides is the choice of controlled pore glass (CPG) which is used as a solid support during oligonucleotide synthesis. We studied the influence of CPG pore size on the quality of 75-mer oligonucleotides. Using electrophoresis and HPLC, we demonstrated failure modes that can occur at certain oligo lengths with 1000A pore size, and compared yield and purity of 75-mer oligos using 1000A and larger pore size CPG. We showed that oligonucleotides with much better quality are obtained using CPG with pore sizes of 1400A and larger. We also identified the key characteristics for CPG selection that lead to the best CPG performance.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

BeadArray-based solutions for enabling the promise of pharmacogenomics.

A "one-size-fits-all" approach continues to characterize today's healthcare paradigm. But emergent rules, information, genomics tools, and economics are driving a fundamental and inevitable shift to a more personalized world of medicine. In this new world, the interests of insurers, regulators, suppliers, healthcare providers, and most important, patients, will have converged. The new goal will be the right treatment for the right individual at the right time. In this world, personalized medicine, through pharmacogenomics (PGx), will be the new healthcare paradigm. We will briefly examine healthcare trends and current opportunities for PGx development. We will then demonstrate how microarray technologies-among them bead-based approaches-have emerged as a key enabler for bringing home the promise of PGx.

Biotechnology↗

Efficient strategies for the conjugation of oligonucleotides to antibodies enabling highly sensitive protein detection.

Three methods for the conjugation of oligonucleotides to antibodies and the subsequent application of these conjugates to protein detection at attomole levels in immunoassays are described. The methods are based on chemical modification of both antibody and oligonucleotide. Aldehydes were introduced onto antibodies by modification of primary amines or oxidation of carbohydrate residues. Aldehyde- or hydrazine-modified oligonucleotides were prepared either during phosphoramidite synthesis or by post-synthesis derivatization. Conjugation between the modified oligonucleotide and antibody resulted in the formation of a hydrazone bond that proved to be stable over long periods of time under physiological conditions. The binding activity of each antibody-oligonucleotide conjugate was determined to be comparable to the corresponding unmodified antibody using a standard sandwich ELISA. Each oligonucleotide contained a unique DNA sequence flanked by universal primers at both ends and was assigned to a specific antibody. Highly sensitive immunoassays were performed by immobilizing analyte for each conjugate onto a solid support with cognate capture antibodies. Binding of the antibody-oligonucleotide conjugate to the immobilized analyte allowed for amplification of the attached DNA. Products of amplification were visualized using gel electrophoresis, thus denoting the presence of bound analyte. The preferred conjugation method was used to generate a set of antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates suitable for high-sensitivity protein detection.

Antibodies↗

Two methods of whole-genome amplification enable accurate genotyping across a 2320-SNP linkage panel.

Comprehensive genome scans involving many thousands of SNP assays will require significant amounts of genomic DNA from each sample. We report two successful methods for amplifying whole-genomic DNA prior to SNP analysis, multiple displacement amplification, and OmniPlex technology. We determined the coverage of amplification by analyzing a SNP linkage marker set that contained 2320 SNP markers spread across the genome at an average distance of 2.5 cM. We observed a concordance of >99.8% in genotyping results from genomic DNA and amplified DNA, strongly indicating the ability of both methods used to amplify genomic DNA in a highly representative manner. Furthermore, we were able to achieve a SNP call rate of >98% in both genomic and amplified DNA. The combination of whole-genome amplification and comprehensive SNP linkage analysis offers new opportunities for genetic analysis in clinical trials, disease association studies, and archiving of DNA samples.

DNA↗

A versatile assay for high-throughput gene expression profiling on universal array matrices.

We report a flexible, sensitive, and quantitative gene-expression profiling system for assaying more than 400 genes, with three probes per gene, for 96 samples in parallel. The cDNA-mediated annealing, selection, extension and ligation (DASL) assay targets specific transcripts, using oligonucleotides containing unique address sequences that can hybridize to universal arrays. Cell-specific gene expression profiles were obtained using this assay for hormone-treated cell lines and laser-capture microdissected cancer tissues. Gene expression profiles derived from this assay were consistent with those determined by qRT-PCR. The DASL assay has been automated for use with a bead-based 96-array matrix system. The combined high-throughput assay and readout system is accurate and efficient, and can cost-effectively profile the expression of hundreds of genes in thousands of samples.

Androgens↗

BeadArray technology: enabling an accurate, cost-effective approach to high-throughput genotyping.

The Human Genome Project has opened the door to personalized medicine, provided that human genetic diversity can be analyzed in a high-throughput and cost-effective way Illumina has developed a genotyping system that combines very high throughput and accuracy with low cost per SNP analysis. The system uses our BeadArray platform, a high level of multiplexing, and modular, scalable automation to meet the requirements for cost-effective, genome-wide linkage disequilibrium studies. As implemented in a high-throughput genotyping service facility at Illumina, the system has a current capacity of one million SNP assays per day and is easily expandable. Each SNP call is associated with a quality score that correlates with accuracy

Cost-Benefit Analysis↗