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Biomedical subjects

Richard Redon

Publications and source records attributed to Richard Redon.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

Whole-genome sequencing implicates rare, low-frequency and structural non-coding variation at the SCN5A locus in Brugada syndrome.

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is an inherited cardiac condition characterized by a hallmark ECG pattern and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Central to the aetiology of BrS, the SCN5A region harbours both common non-coding risk variants and rare coding variants that are causative in approximately 20% of patients. However, rare non-coding genetic variation in this region remains largely unexplored. Here, we used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of 752 European-ancestry BrS cases and 1,827 ancestry-matched controls to identify BrS-associated rare non-coding genetic variation at the SCN5A locus. Sliding-window and cis-regulatory element (CRE)-based rare-variant aggregate testing implicated three conserved CREs, including a dense aggregation of case singleton variants within a 178 bp enhancer in intron 17 of SCN5A which replicated in an independent BrS cohort. Prioritised BrS-associated rare and low-frequency non-coding variants within these elements were predicted to alter cardiac transcription factor motifs, and altered CRE activity in hiPSC-CM luciferase assays or were associated with BrS-relevant ECG endophenotypes in the UK Biobank. Single-variant analysis across the region identified a Bonferroni-significant five-fold case-enriched low-frequency variant within a known CRE in intron 1 of SCN5A, which replicated, was associated with slower cardiac conduction in the UK Biobank and accounted for part of the BrS GWAS signal at this locus. Structural variant analyses identified a 10.5 kb deletion upstream of SCN5A in a BrS case that encompassed a cardiac CRE and reduced sodium current density in a hiPSC-CM model, as well as a 6 kb BrS-enriched retrotransposon insertion in SCN5A that appeared to underlie part of the GWAS signal in this region. Together, these findings implicate rare and low-frequency non-coding variation at the SCN5A locus in BrS susceptibility and demonstrate the value of targeted WGS analysis of key disease loci.

Journal Article↗

Domain mapping of disease mutations reveals pathogenic SORL1 variants in Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND: Protein truncating variants (PTVs) in SORL1 are observed almost exclusively in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) cases, but the effect of rare SORL1 missense variants is unclear. METHODS: To identify high-priority missense variants (HPVs), we applied ‘domain mapping of disease mutations’ for the 637 unique coding SORL1 variants detected in 18,959 AD-cases and 21,893 non-demented controls. RESULTS: In this sample, PTVs and HPVs associated with respectively a 35- and 10-fold increased risk of early onset AD and 17- and 6-fold increased risk of overall AD. The median age at onset (AAO) of PTV- and HPV-carriers was 62 and 64 years, and APOE-genotype contributed to AAO-variability. The median AAO of PTV- and HPV-carriers is ~8–10 years earlier than wild-type SORL1 carriers, matched for APOE-genotype. Specific HPVs are highly penetrant and lead to earlier AAOs than PTVs, suggesting possible dominant negative effects. CONCLUSION: Our results justify a debate on whether HPV carriers should be considered for clinical counseling.

Humans↗

Global variation in copy number in the human genome.

Copy number variation (CNV) of DNA sequences is functionally significant but has yet to be fully ascertained. We have constructed a first-generation CNV map of the human genome through the study of 270 individuals from four populations with ancestry in Europe, Africa or Asia (the HapMap collection). DNA from these individuals was screened for CNV using two complementary technologies: single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping arrays, and clone-based comparative genomic hybridization. A total of 1,447 copy number variable regions (CNVRs), which can encompass overlapping or adjacent gains or losses, covering 360 megabases (12% of the genome) were identified in these populations. These CNVRs contained hundreds of genes, disease loci, functional elements and segmental duplications. Notably, the CNVRs encompassed more nucleotide content per genome than SNPs, underscoring the importance of CNV in genetic diversity and evolution. The data obtained delineate linkage disequilibrium patterns for many CNVs, and reveal marked variation in copy number among populations. We also demonstrate the utility of this resource for genetic disease studies.

Chromosome Mapping↗

Genome assembly comparison identifies structural variants in the human genome.

Numerous types of DNA variation exist, ranging from SNPs to larger structural alterations such as copy number variants (CNVs) and inversions. Alignment of DNA sequence from different sources has been used to identify SNPs and intermediate-sized variants (ISVs). However, only a small proportion of total heterogeneity is characterized, and little is known of the characteristics of most smaller-sized (<50 kb) variants. Here we show that genome assembly comparison is a robust approach for identification of all classes of genetic variation. Through comparison of two human assemblies (Celera's R27c compilation and the Build 35 reference sequence), we identified megabases of sequence (in the form of 13,534 putative non-SNP events) that were absent, inverted or polymorphic in one assembly. Database comparison and laboratory experimentation further demonstrated overlap or validation for 240 variable regions and confirmed >1.5 million SNPs. Some differences were simple insertions and deletions, but in regions containing CNVs, segmental duplication and repetitive DNA, they were more complex. Our results uncover substantial undescribed variation in humans, highlighting the need for comprehensive annotation strategies to fully interpret genome scanning and personalized sequencing projects.

Base Sequence↗

Accurate and reliable high-throughput detection of copy number variation in the human genome.

This study describes a new tool for accurate and reliable high-throughput detection of copy number variation in the human genome. We have constructed a large-insert clone DNA microarray covering the entire human genome in tiling path resolution that we have used to identify copy number variation in human populations. Crucial to this study has been the development of a robust array platform and analytic process for the automated identification of copy number variants (CNVs). The array consists of 26,574 clones covering 93.7% of euchromatic regions. Clones were selected primarily from the published "Golden Path," and mapping was confirmed by fingerprinting and BAC-end sequencing. Array performance was extensively tested by a series of validation assays. These included determining the hybridization characteristics of each individual clone on the array by chromosome-specific add-in experiments. Estimation of data reproducibility and false-positive/negative rates was carried out using self-self hybridizations, replicate experiments, and independent validations of CNVs. Based on these studies, we developed a variance-based automatic copy number detection analysis process (CNVfinder) and have demonstrated its robustness by comparison with the SW-ARRAY method.

Algorithms↗

Copy number variation: new insights in genome diversity.

DNA copy number variation has long been associated with specific chromosomal rearrangements and genomic disorders, but its ubiquity in mammalian genomes was not fully realized until recently. Although our understanding of the extent of this variation is still developing, it seems likely that, at least in humans, copy number variants (CNVs) account for a substantial amount of genetic variation. Since many CNVs include genes that result in differential levels of gene expression, CNVs may account for a significant proportion of normal phenotypic variation. Current efforts are directed toward a more comprehensive cataloging and characterization of CNVs that will provide the basis for determining how genomic diversity impacts biological function, evolution, and common human diseases.

Animals↗

Overlapping 3q28 amplifications in the COMA cell line and undifferentiated primary sarcoma.

Historically, amplicon mapping and characterization of double minute (dmin) chromosomes content have been the ways to pinpoint important oncogenes. The COMA cell line established from a sarcoma contains DMs, some of them composed of material of the long arm of chromosome 3. To identify putative oncogenes on 3q that may be included in these dmins, we have analyzed the COMA cell line by microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH). We have detected the amplification of 1-Mb segment at 3q28, which contains the genes LPP, FLJ42393, and hsa-mir-28. Fluorescence in situ hybridization experiments confirmed the presence of numerous copies of 3q28 segment included in dmins. Further screening of eight undifferentiated primary sarcomas with 3q gains previously detected by chromosome CGH disclosed, in two cases, amplifications at 3q28 overlapping the 1-Mb segment amplified in COMA. To isolate target genes upregulated by gene dosage effect, we measured the transcription levels of every gene (in the RefSeq collection) located in the common region of amplification, selected expressed sequence tags (ESTs) and the micro-RNA hsa-mir-28 in the COMA cell line compared to one MFH cell line without alteration at 3q28. Expression levels of all transcripts were almost similar in both cell lines, except for two ESTs (AI338598 and BX118304) showing a 20-fold increase. These two transcripts are poorly characterized and their contribution to MFH carcinogenesis is difficult to evaluate.

Adult↗

Interstitial 9q22.3 microdeletion: clinical and molecular characterisation of a newly recognised overgrowth syndrome.

In the course of a systematic whole genome screening of patients with unexplained overgrowth syndrome by microarray-based comparative genomic hybridisation (array-CGH), we have identified two children with nearly identical 6.5 Mb-long de novo interstitial deletions at 9q22.32-q22.33. The clinical phenotype includes macrocephaly, overgrowth and trigonocephaly. In addition, both children present with psychomotor delay, hyperactivity and distinctive facial features. Further analysis with a high-resolution custom microarray covering the whole breakpoint intervals with fosmids mapped the deletion breakpoints within 100-kb intervals: although the deletion boundaries are different for the two patients, nearly the same genes are deleted in both cases. We suggest therefore that microdeletion of 9q22.32-q22.33 is a novel cause of overgrowth and mental retardation. Its association with distinctive facial features should help in recognising this novel phenotype.

Child, Preschool↗

Genomic and expression profiling of chromosome 17 in breast cancer reveals complex patterns of alterations and novel candidate genes.

Chromosome 17 is severely rearranged in breast cancer. Whereas the short arm undergoes frequent losses, the long arm harbors complex combinations of gains and losses. In this work we present a comprehensive study of quantitative anomalies at chromosome 17 by genomic array-comparative genomic hybridization and of associated RNA expression changes by cDNA arrays. We built a genomic array covering the entire chromosome at an average density of 1 clone per 0.5 Mb, and patterns of gains and losses were characterized in 30 breast cancer cell lines and 22 primary tumors. Genomic profiles indicated severe rearrangements. Compiling data from all samples, we subdivided chromosome 17 into 13 consensus segments: 4 regions showing mainly losses, 6 regions showing mainly gains, and 3 regions showing either gains or losses. Within these segments, smallest regions of overlap were defined (17 for gains and 16 for losses). Expression profiles were analyzed by means of cDNA arrays comprising 358 known genes at 17q. Comparison of expression changes with quantitative anomalies revealed that about half of the genes were consistently affected by copy number changes. We identified 85 genes overexpressed when gained (39 of which mapped within the smallest regions of overlap), 67 genes underexpressed when lost (32 of which mapped to minimal intervals of losses), and, interestingly, 32 genes showing reduced expression when gained. Candidate genes identified in this study belong to very diverse functional groups, and a number of them are novel candidates.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Amplicon mapping and transcriptional analysis pinpoint cyclin L as a candidate oncogene in head and neck cancer.

DNA gains targeting the 3q chromosome are common in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, as well as in lung, ovarian, and cervical cancer. Several candidate oncogenes located on 3q were proposed, i.e., PIK3CA, p63, and eIF-5A2. However, none of these genes was found included in a narrow high-level amplification. Recently, microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) was developed for high-resolution screening of deletions and amplifications in tumor genomes. In this study, by microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization, we found a narrow 3q25.3 high-level amplification in a head and neck cancer cell line. We precisely delimited the 3-Mb length-amplified segment by semiquantitative PCR and measured the transcriptional level of every gene (RefSeq full-length mRNA) located inside this segment by cDNA microarray and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. Four genes were overexpressed in three head and neck cancer cell lines with increased DNA copy number, compared with a control tongue cell line. We extended the transcriptional analysis of these four genes to 20 head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Only one gene, cyclin L (ania-6a), is commonly overexpressed in primary tumors compared with corresponding normal tissues. This cyclin was previously pinpointed as a candidate for a role in promoting cell cycle entry. Thus, we propose cyclin L as a candidate oncogene in head and neck cancer.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗