Integrated genomic and expression profiling in mantle cell lymphoma: identification of gene-dosage regulated candidate genes

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is characterized by the t(11;14)(q13;q32) translocation and several other cytogenetic aberrations, including heterozygous loss of chromosomal arms 1p, 6q, 11q and 13q and/or gains of 3q and 8q. The common intervals of chromosomal imbalance have been narrowed down using array-comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). However, the chromosomal intervals still contain many genes potentially involved in MCL pathogeny. Combined analysis of tiling-resolution array-CGH with gene expression profiling on 11 MCL tumours enabled the identification of genomic alterations and their corresponding gene expression profiles. Only subsets of genes located within given cytogenetic anomaly-intervals showed a concomitant change in mRNA expression level. The genes that showed consistent correlation between DNA copy number and RNA expression levels are likely to be important in MCL pathology. Besides several 'anonymous genes', we also identified various fully annotated genes, whose gene products are involved in cyclic adenosine monophosphate-regulated pathways (PRKACB), DNA damage repair, maintenance of chromosome stability and prevention of rereplication (ATM, ERCC5, FBXO5), energy metabolism (such as genes that are involved in the synthesis of proteins encoded by the mitochondrial genome) and signal transduction (ARHGAP29). Deregulation of these gene products may interfere with the signalling pathways that are involved in MCL tumour development and maintenance.     

The diagnosis,prognosis, and therapeutic application of MicroRNAs in haematological malignancies

Objective: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNA molecules that participate in vital cell processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. In recent years, they have been proven to play vital roles in haematological malignancies. In this review we briefly introduce some basic knowledge of microRNAs and summarize their ectopic expression in haematological malignancies, especially in leukaemia. We will also discuss the potential of microRNAs in the diagnosis of leukaemia, in the determination of the clinical prognosis of diverse subtypes, and in targeted therapy.

Discussion: Despite current adoption of novel biological agents combining traditional chemotherapy regimens, leukaemia remains to have undesirable clinical outcomes due to inaccurate diagnosis, invasiveness of the disease, and patients’ intolerance to chemotherapy, thus brand new therapeutic directions are urgently needed. MiRNAs regulate gene expression by means of binding to the 3'-untranslated regions of corresponding mRNAs, leading to the degradation of targeted mRNA or the inhibition of translation. It has been confirmed that they can either function as tumour inhibitors, or may trigger tumourigenesis in certain situations, this specific dual characteristic undoubtedly attract scientists to explore their roles in haematological malignancies. It is of great necessity to summarize the roles of miRNAs in haematological malignancies diagnosis, prognosis evaluation, and clinical treatment.

Conclusions: Future studies may take full advantage of miRNAs detection in diagnosing, in choosing targeted biological therapy, and in avoiding predictable side effect, thus the overall survival rate and cure efficiency of leukaemia should improve.     

Blastoid variant of mantle cell lymphoma: late progression from classical mantle cell lymphoma and quantitation of minimal residual disease

OBJECTIVES: Classical mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and its blastoid variant (MCL-BV) are characterized by an extremely poor prognosis. Long-time survivors are rare, only very few patients with an overall survival over 10 years have been reported. We present a case of a 41-year-old male with a 12 yr history of MCL stage I to show, that very late relapses in MCL are possible and may present as a transformation into an aggressive blastoid variant and to illustrate the value of quantitative minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring for treatment guidance. METHODS: Diagnostic lymph node and bone marrow samples were investigated by immunohistochemistry. Clonality analysis was performed by immunoglobulin heavy chain gene (IGVH) and t(11;14) PCR. The MRD assessment was done by real-time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR) on available follow-up samples. RESULTS: By histologic review and sequencing of the clonal IGVH and t(11;14) PCR products we demonstrated a common clonal origin of the leucemic MCL-BV and the classical MCL diagnosed 12 yr earlier. Quantitative MRD assessment revealed significant MRD levels after intensive conventional chemotherapy including Rituximab. Therefore, treatment was early intensified by myeloablative radio-chemotherapy and allogeneic peripheral stem cell transplantation from an unrelated HLA-identical donor. This did not translate into a sustained remission as reflected by persisting MRD levels after transplantation and the patient died from rapid progressive disease 3.5 months after transplant. CONCLUSION: This report presents a rare case of long-term survivor of MCL with a progression of the original MCL cell clone to MCL-BV and demonstrates the clinical value of quantitative MRD assessment for optimized therapeutic management.     

Tobacco smoking and risk of haematological malignancies in adults: a case–control study

A retrospective study was conducted in 1216 cases to investigate the possible association between tobacco smoking and the risk of haematological malignancies. A small, but not significant, increase in malignancy was observed in smokers. Significant association was demonstrated between tobacco smoking and acute non-lymphoblastic leukaemia, and myelodysplastic syndromes. The duration and amount smoked increased the risk; heavy smokers presented significant positive associations with overall malignancies, acute nonlymphoblastic leukaemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, whereas light smokers did not present any significant association. These data support a causal relationship between certain haematological malignancies and tobacco smoking. Further research is needed to examine the risk according to dose–response effect, and the variation in risk according to the histological subtype of the malignancy.     

Incidence of thrombotic complications in patients with haematological malignancies with central venous catheters: a prospective multicentre study

This prospective, observational and multicentre study assessed the incidence of, and risk factors for, symptomatic venous thrombotic complications after central venous catheter (CVC) positioning in patients with haematological malignancies. A total of 458 consecutive CVC insertions were registered in 416 patients (81.2% of whom had severe thrombocytopenia). Over the observation period (3 months or up to catheter removal), the incidence of events was: CVC-related deep vein thrombosis (DVT), 1.5%; lower limb DVT, 0.4%; pulmonary embolism (PE), 1.3%; fatal PE, 0.6%; CVC-related superficial thrombophlebitis, 3.9%; CVC-occlusion/malfunction of thrombotic origin, 6.1%; major arterial events, 1.1%. Severe bleeding and CVC-related infections were observed in 3.5% and 4.6% of cases respectively. A composite end point (any venous thromboembolism or superficial thrombophlebitis or CVC occlusion/malfunction) was defined in order to consider venous thrombotic events with a significant impact on clinical practice. With this criterion, the overall incidence was 12.0% (2.54 cases/1000 catheter days). No factor helped to predict venous thrombotic complications: only thrombocytopenia was associated with a weak trend for a reduced risk (odds ratio 0.52; 95% confidence interval 0.26-1.07). No severe bleeding was observed in those patients who received antithrombotic prophylaxis. This study shows that the impact on clinical practice of symptomatic CVC-related thrombotic complications is not negligible in patients with haematological malignancies.     

非小细胞肺癌差异基因的筛选及预后分析

目的利用生物信息学方法分析非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)基因表达谱芯片,筛选差异基因,分析其与预后的关系。方法从GEO数据库下载芯片数据(GSE19804、GSE27262、GSE18842),利用GEO2R软件筛选差异基因,通过基因本体(GO)和京都基因与基因组百科全书(KEGG)进行差异基因的功能及通路富集分析,用STRING数据库构建蛋白-蛋白相互作用网络,Cytoscape筛选出核心基因。Kaplan-Meier plotter数据库进行预后分析,采用实时荧光定量PCR(QPCR)检测目的基因在NSCLC组织中的表达。结果共筛选出401个差异表达基因,GO分析结果表明差异基因主要参与血管生成、细胞粘附、调节细胞增殖等生物学过程。通过Cytoscape软件筛选出29个核心基因。预后分析显示ASPM低表达患者的总生存期较高表达患者明显延长。QPCR显示ASPM在NSCLC组织中高表达,差异有统计学意义。结论ASPM在NSCLC组织中高表达,与患者的预后相关,可能是NSCLC潜在的治疗靶点。     

Prospective clinical evaluation of a LightCycler-mediated polymerase chain reaction assay, a nested-PCR assay and a galactomannan enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of invasive aspergillosis in neutropenic cancer patients and haematological stem cell transplant recipients

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a considerable clinical problem in neutropenic patients with haematological malignancies but its diagnosis remains difficult. We prospectively evaluated a LightCycler polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, a nested-PCR assay and a galactomannan (GM) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to validate their significance in diagnosing IA. During 205 treatment episodes in 165 patients from six centres, a nested-PCR assay and GM testing was performed at regular intervals. Positive nested-PCR results were quantified by a LightCycler PCR assay. Patient episodes were stratified according to the 2002 European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycosis Study Group consensus criteria and the PCR and serology results were correlated with the clinical diagnostic classification. Sensitivity and specificity rates for the nested-PCR assay were up to 63.6% [95% confidence interval (CI): 30.8-89%) and 63.5% (95% CI: 53.4-72.7%) respectively, and 33.3% and 98.9% (95% CI: 7.5-70.1% and 94.2-99.9%) for GM respectively. The LightCycler PCR assay yielded positive results in 21.4%, lacking discrimination by quantification across the different clinical categories. In this prospective comparison, PCR was superior to GM with respect to sensitivity rates. In patients at high risk for IA, positive results for Aspergillus by PCR of blood samples are highly suggestive for IA and contribute to the diagnosis.     

Quantitative analysis of circulating cell-free Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA levels in patients with EBV-associated lymphoid malignancies

Cell-free Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA has recently been detected in the plasma and serum of patients with Hodgkin's disease, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related lymphoma. However, no data are available on the temporal variation of plasma/serum EBV DNA levels in patients with EBV-associated lymphoid malignancies during the course of therapy. Using a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay, we studied the plasma EBV DNA levels in 13 patients with EBV-associated lymphoid malignancies (six patients with Hodgkin's disease, four with nasal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, two cases of PTLD and one patient with Burkitt's lymphoma) at presentation and during therapy. Plasma EBV DNA was detected in 12 of the 13 patients (median 2,266 copies/ml; interquartile range 181-8,379 copies/ml), but not in any of 35 healthy control subjects (P < 0.0001). The EBV status in tumour cells was also examined in 12 of these patients using in situ hybridization for EBV-encoded small RNAs (EBERs). EBER positivity was observed in 11 patients, all of whom had EBV DNA detectable in plasma. The one patient who had no detectable plasma EBV DNA was also negative for EBERs in tumour tissue. Serial measurements of plasma EBV DNA levels were performed in nine of the patients during the course of therapy. All patients who responded to therapy demonstrated a significant reduction of plasma EBV DNA to low or undetectable levels, whereas in two patients with ineffective therapy, disease progression was associated with a rapid increase in plasma EBV DNA levels. We concluded that plasma EBV DNA is detectable in a wide range of EBV-associated lymphoid malignancies. As plasma EBV DNA levels correlate well with the therapeutic response, such analysis may be a valuable tool for monitoring clinical progress.     

Gene expression profiling of mantle cell lymphoma cells reveals aberrant expression of genes from the PI3K-AKT, WNT and TGFbeta signalling pathways

Microarray studies have revealed the differential expression of several genes in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), but it is unknown which of these differences are dependent on the transformed MCL cell itself or on the tumour microenvironment. To investigate which genes and signalling pathways are aberrantly expressed in MCL cells we used oligonucleotide microarrays to perform gene expression profiling of both purified leukaemic MCL cells and their normal counterparts, the naive B cells. A total of 106 genes were differentially expressed at least threefold in MCL cells compared with naive B cells; 63 upregulated and 43 downregulated. To validate the microarray results in a larger set of samples, we selected 10 differentially expressed genes and quantified their expression by real-time polymerase chain reaction in peripheral blood of MCL patients (n=21), purified MCL cells (n=6) and naive B cells (n=4), obtaining fully concordant results. A computer-assisted approach was used to procure specific molecular signalling pathways that were aberrantly expressed in MCL cells. Several genes related to apoptosis and to the PI3K/AKT, WNT and tumour growth factor beta signalling pathways were altered in MCL cells when compared with naive B cells. These pathways may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of MCL and deserve further investigation as candidates for new therapeutic targets.     

The characteristics and prognostic significance of the SET-CAN/NUP214 fusion gene in hematological malignancies: A systematic review

Background:The SET-CAN/NUP214 fusion gene resulting from chromosomal del(9)(q34.11q34.13) or t(9;9) (q34;q34) has been found in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myeloid sarcoma (MS). Furthermore, the SET-CAN/NUP214 fusion gene has been found in the T-ALL cell line LOUCY and the AML line MEGAL. The common features of these cases are insensitivity to chemotherapy and poor prognosis. We reviewed the characteristics and prognostic significance of the SET-CAN/NUP214 fusion gene in hematological malignancies.Methods:This systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. With the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we summarized all of the papers and performed a statistical analyses.Results:In general, the SET-CAN/NUP214 fusion gene is very rare in adult acute leukemia, more frequently found in T-ALL than in other types of leukemia, and more often in males. Flow cytometry data indicated that the markers CD34, CD33, CD13, and CD7 were common in SET-CAN/NUP214 positive acute leukemia, including ALL. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and arrays are important methods for detecting the fusion gene in newly diagnosed patients and can detect chromosomal del(9)(q34) will be detected. The chromosomal karyotype may be normal or complex, and, in terms of survival analysis, transplantation results in a better prognosis than chemotherapy alone.Conclusions and implications of key findings:The presence of SET-CAN/NUP214 fusion gene may be a Minimal Residual Disease of early recurrence, and it might be a poor indicator of outcome.Limitations:The mechanism, clinical characteristics, therapy and prognosis of the SET-CAN/NUP214 fusion gene in hematological malignancies require further research.     

结核分枝杆菌休眠期和活跃期差异表达基因分析

目的探讨结核分枝杆菌休眠的机制,寻找结核分枝杆菌休眠期高表达基因。方法分别取对数生长期结核分枝杆菌和已培养100 d的陈旧结核分枝杆菌(荧光染色证实为休眠菌),提取基因组RNA,DNA酶处理后用RNA回收试剂盒回收RNA,用mRNA纯化试剂盒纯化RNA,利用抑制性消减杂交(SSH)技术分析两时期结核分枝杆菌的基因组mRNA的表达差异;通过基因克隆、基因测序和序列分析,寻找差异表达基因;采用实时荧光定量PCR鉴定高表达基因。结果通过SSH杂交,以休眠结核分枝杆菌cDNA为检测子的正相杂交和以对数生长期结核分枝杆菌cDNA为检测子的反相杂交的各自检测子高表达或特异性表达的片段都得到了选择性扩增,杂交产物经基因克隆、转化、测序分析以及用BioEdit软件比对和Blast分析,正相得到14个休眠结核分枝杆菌特异性表达或高表达的功能基因,反相得到17个对数生长期结核分枝杆菌特异性表达或高表达的功能基因。结论利用SSH杂交技术筛选到休眠结核分枝杆菌和对数生长期结核分枝杆菌的差异表达基因,为休眠结核分枝杆菌休眠机制的研究奠定了基础。     

Isodicentric (X)(q13) in haematological malignancies: presentation of five new cases, application of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and review of the literature

Summary. Idic(X)(q13) represents a rare but recurrent chromosomal abnormality in haematological malignancies. We present five new cases characterized by this particular aberration and review the literature on this subject.
The patients were elderly females with a diagnosis of refractory anaemia (1/5), refractory anaemia with ringed sideroblasts (2/5), chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (1/ 5), and Philadelphia chromosome-negative chronic myeloid leukaemia (1/5). Three out of the five patients demonstrated an increased proportion of bone marrow ringed sideroblasts. After a follow-up period of 30-57 months all patients but one are alive.
Idic(X)(q13) always occurred as the sole chromosomal abnormality, either in one or in two copies. We confirmed the dicentric nature of the aberration by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on metaphases as well as interphase nuclei using an X-chromosome-specific alpha-satellite probe, and performed chromosome painting to visualize possible additional chromosomal changes involving the X chromosomes.
Our findings and the data of 17 previously published cases indicate that idic(X)(q13): (1) may play a significant pathogenetic role in haematological malignancies affecting exclusively females and deriving predominantly from early progenitor cells; (2) is frequently associated with a pathological iron accumulation; (3) indicates a variable prognosis.     

术前热疗联合灌注化疗对肺癌细胞凋亡及相关基因的影响

目的 探讨术前热疗联合灌注化疗对非小细胞肺癌细胞凋亡及相关基因表达的影响. 方法 A组37例接受术前热疗联合灌注化疗,B组31例术前灌注化疗,C组15例直接手术治疗.检测手术前后癌细胞的凋亡指数(AI)、癌组织中PCNA、bcl-2和p53蛋白的表达和增殖指数(PI),比较3组上述指标治疗前后变化. 结果 A组术后癌细胞AI较治疗前增加,PI下降;bcl-2、p53蛋白阳性表达均较治疗前下调.B组癌细胞Al较治疗前增加;PI较治疗前下降;bcl-2、p53蛋白阳性表达均较治疗前下调.治疗后组间比较,A组的AI高于B组,PI低于B组; bcl-2、p53蛋白阳性表达A组较B组下降. 结论 术前热疗联合灌注化疗可使中晚期肺癌癌组织AI增加,P1下降,bcl-2、p53蛋白阳性表达下调.