Numerical chromosomal aberrations in prostate cancer: correlation with morphology and cell kinetics

Eleven routinely processed radical prostatectomy specimens were studied for the presence of numerical chromosomal aberrations by means of in situ hybridization with nucleic acid probes specific for chromosomes 7, 10, 17, X, and Y. Cytogenetic information was correlated with morphology, tumour stage and volume as well as with cell kinetics, the latter being assessed by immunohistochemistry with antibodies raised against the proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and against a formalin-resistant epitope of the Ki-67 antigen, MIB 1. In 5 of 11 cases, numerical aberrations of at least one chromosome were found. The cases with normal chromosome numbers were those with the smallest volumes of Gleason grade 4 and/or 5 tumour (mean 0.5 cm³) and represented tumours restricted to the prostate. Tumours with aberrations in the number of detected chromosomes showed advanced stages and large volumes of high-grade tumour (mean 12.5 cm³). All 4 tumours with positive surgical margins were recruited from a group with marked local heterogeneity in chromosome numbers. Immunostaining with MIB 1 and PCNA was most intense in areas of high-grade tumour and was positively correlated with the emergence of chromosomal aberrations. The data suggest that the appearance of numerical chromosomal aberrations in prostate cancer coincides with aggressive tumour behaviour and could be used as an additional prognostic marker.This work is part of E.K.'s doctoral thesis     

Apolipoprotein D is down-regulated during malignant transformation of neurofibromas

Apolipoprotein D (apoD) expression was studied in nonneoplastic peripheral nerve, neurofibromas (NFs), and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry. Multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction for messenger RNA was performed on a series of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens that included 9 MPNSTs, 12 NFs, and 4 normal peripheral nerves. The average apoD expression was 108-fold decreased (DeltaCt = -7.3) in the MPNSTs compared with the NFs (P < .05). ApoD expression levels were 3.0-fold elevated (DeltaCt = 1.7) in the NFs compared with nonneoplastic peripheral nerve (P < .05). In situ hybridization for apoD RNA was performed on a separate series of 10 cases in which each microscopic section included both MPNST and the NF from which it arose. These studies confirmed elevated apoD expression in NFs compared with MPNSTs and demonstrated that this expression was variable among individual cells within the NFs. Differential expression by immunohistochemistry could only be demonstrated in selected areas, most likely because apoD protein is a small molecule that is secreted out of the cell into the extracellular space and plasma. ApoD expression initially increases a small amount with the formation of NFs from nonneoplastic peripheral nerve and subsequently decreases markedly as NFs transform into MPNSTs. This expression pattern may serve as a marker for cell cycle inhibition during peripheral nerve tumorigenesis.     

Molecular identification of a novel human rotavirus in relation to subgroup and electropherotype of genomic RNA

A total of 41 stool rotavirus specimens collected from children with acute diarrhea at four different locations in Akita Prefecture, Japan, during the peak of the winter diarrhea epidemic in 1988 were analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of viral RNA in conjunction with subgrouping assay. We found that a single strain predominated, with cocirculating strains with less common electropherotypes at a given location, and that two different strains could predominate at geographically close but different locations even during a very limited time of the epidemic season. Furthermore, we isolated a human rotavirus strain (AU125) that was similar to the AU-1 strain in that it possessed a long RNA pattern yet belonged to subgroup I. Genetic analysis by RNA-RNA hybridization assay indicated that the AU125 strain was distinct from two previously identified human rotavirus gene groups (genogroups) represented by the Wa strain (subgroup II with long RNA electropherotype) and the DS-1 strain (subgroup I with short RNA electropherotype), but was very closely related to the AU-1 strain. These data suggest that the genetic diversity of human rotaviruses may be more extensive than was previously thought.     

Preparation of chromosomes from plant leaf meristems for karyotype analysis and in situ hybridization

A reliable method for preparing metaphase chromosomes from plant leaf tissues is described. The chromosomes are suitable for karyotype analysis and gene mapping by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH). The method is based on enzymatic digestion of young leaf tissues (shoot-tips) after which the resulting protoplasts are treated hypotonically before being dropped onto microscopic slides. Compared to root-tip chromosomes, leaf chromosomes tend to be longer, or less condensed, and hence more karyotypically differentiated. Metaphase index in young leaf tissues is also very high. Metaphase spread consists of evenly and well-distributed chromosomes and this allows accurate counting. The plant used to demonstrate this method is birch (Betula L.), a group of tree species that has extremely small chromosomes. Root-tip chromosomes of these plants are difficult to obtain, as cutting does not produce roots readily. Seedling chromosomes do not represent the same genomic constitution as their mother trees due to introgressive hybridisation. Furthermore, sample collection in the field is convenient and actively growing leaf buds are available throughout the growing season. FISH experiments with these leaf chromosomes also give good results comparable to those obtained with root-tip chromosomes or even better as mapping on long or extended chromosomes has high resolution in general. Mapping of the 16S–28S ribosomal genes on birch leaf chromosomes has been shown to differentiate between birch species and therefore can accurately confirm their interspecific hybrids.     

In situ fluorescence hybridization of Y translations: cytogenetic analysis using probes Y190 and Y431

Two moderately repetitive DNA probes (Y190 and Y431) and a fluorescent in situ hybridization technique, using a biotin, avidin, anti-avidin system, were employed to investigate a group of patients with Y chromosome abnormalities. In normal male subjects, a bright fluorescent spot could be detected in cells in interphase and on the short arm of the Y chromosome in metaphase spreads. Translocations of DNA fragments of the short arm of the Y chromosome to autosomes 10, 13 and 15 were observed in five patients. In a 45,XX male subject the translocation involved one of the X chromosomes. With this in situ hybridization procedure, bright fluorescent spots were also noticed in uncultured amniotic cells and chorionic cellular elements from male fetuses, thus allowing a rapid and reproducible approach to prenatal fetal sexing.     

Differential histochemical peanut agglutinin stain in benign and malignant human prostate tumors: Relationship with prostatic specific antigen immunostain and nuclear DNA content

The histochemical binding pattern of the peanut (Arachis hypogaea) lectin (PNA) was quantitatively described by means of computer-assisted microscope analysis in 28 benign prostatic hyperplasias (BPH), 15 prostatic intraepithelial neoplasias (PIN), and 119 prostatic adenocarcinomas. PNA exhibits noninunune but selective binding to glycoproteins with β-D-galactosyl(1,3)-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine residues. We also investigated whether a relationship existed between the number of histochemical-related PNA acceptors and the histochemical prostate-specific antigen (PSA) stain intensity, and between the number of PNA receptors and DNA ploidy level. The results show that neoplastic prostate tissues and high-grade intraepithelial prostatic neoplasias (PIN2_3) exhibit a significantly higher number of PNA acceptors than benign prostatic hyperplasias and low (PIN1) grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasias. A statistically significant correlation was observed between the number of histochemically related PNA acceptors and PSA immunostain intensity. Lastly, diploid prostatic tumors, whether benign or malignant, exhibited a significantly higher number of PNA acceptors than aneuploid ones. These results suggest that PNA acceptors play an important role in the biology of prostate tumors.     

Identification of three new DRB3* (DRB3*0106, DRB3*0107 and DRB3*02022) alleles

Three novel DRB3* alleles were identified using CANTYPE reverse hybridization assay. The initial unusual hybridization patterns of DRB3-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplified DNA from each subject were confirmed by cloning and sequencing analysis. DRB3*0106 allele is identical to DRB3*0101 except for a single nucleotide substitution (CTG-->GTG) changing codon 38 from Leu to Val. This polymorphism is commonly found in DRB3*03 alleles. Compared with DRB3*0202, DRB3*02022 contains a single silent nucleotide substitution (AAT-->AAC, both encoding for Asn) at codon 77. This polymorphism is also present in DRB3*0204 allele. The new DRB3*0107 allele has a sequence unique to DRB3 alleles. From codon 5 to codon 36 the sequence is identical to that of DRB3*0101 allele. From codon 37 to codon 87 the sequence of DRB1*0107 allele is identical to that of DRB3*0202. This sequence would thus explain the CANTYPE(R) DRB3-specific unusual pattern of reactions. The new DRB3*0107 could have arisen from a gene conversion between DRB3*0101 and DRB3*0202 alleles, but the DRB3*0106 and the DRB3*02022 may have been generated by a point mutation event. The DRB3*0107 allele was identified in a Caucasoid individual. The ethnic origin of the subjects carrying the other two alleles are unknown. The three alleles presented here were only identified once, in a total population of 49,000.     

Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal aneuploidies by isolation and analysis of fetal cells from maternal blood

The isolation and analysis of nucleated fetal cells (NFCs) from maternal blood may represent a new approach to noninvasive prenatal diagnosis. Although promising, these techniques require highly accurate separation of NFCs from nucleated cells of maternal origin; the two major problems limiting these techniques are the relative rarity of fetal cells in maternal blood and the need to establish their fetal origin. We now report a novel procedure that has allowed accurate separation of NFCs from maternal cells. The technique reported involves direct micromanipulator isolation of histochemically identified hemoglobin F‐positive nucleated cells to obtain fetal nucleated red blood cells (FNRBCs) of high yield and purity. Using this technique, followed by cell‐by‐cell multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of purified FNRBCs, we were able to detect some of the most common human aneuploidies (including Down syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, and trisomy 13) in 33 pregnant women referred for amniocentesis. The procedure used, which can be completed in <72 hrs, produced complete concordance with the results of amniocentesis. We also confirm findings of prior studies suggesting that the number of FNRBCs in maternal circulation is remarkably higher in abnormal pregnancies than in normal pregnancies, especially in women carrying a fetus with trisomy 21. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Detection of numerical alterations of chromosome 1 in cytopathological specimens of breast tumors by chromogen in situ hybridization

To investigate the effectiveness of chromogen in situ hybridization (CISH) in the diagnosis of breast tumors, numerical alterations of chromosome 1 were examined by CISH and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) methods, and the presence of der(16)t(1;16) was also examined by FISH in imprinted cytology specimens from resected tissues of 14 carcinomas and five non-malignant lesions. The modal signal counts of chromosome 1 were compared between the specimens processed by CISH and FISH for each case. Aneusomies of the long arm of chromosome 1 were detected in 10 (71%) carcinomas as the major clones by both methods. In addition, one atypical papilloma demonstrated tetrasomy of 1q12 as a major clone by CISH, but such a clone was at first overlooked by FISH. Four other benign lesions showed disomic 1q12 signals as a major clone by both CISH and FISH. As additional information from FISH, eight cancers showed structural or numerical alterations of chromosome 16, and four showed der(16)t(1;16). In total, 10 carcinomas showed chromosome 16 alterations, and all of these overlapped with the carcinomas with 1q12 aneusomies. The CISH method provided almost the same results as the FISH method, and both methods were considered applicable in supportive diagnosis of cytological specimens of breast tumors. In addition, the CISH method was superior in the detection of numerical alterations in carcinoma cells by referring to the morphology of cells and in the detection of significant clones which might be missed under dark-field microscopy.     

Neuropeptide gene expression in brain is differentially regulated by midbrain dopamine neurons

Summary In situ hybridization was used to study the expression of prepro-neuropeptide Y (NPY), preprosomatostatin (SOM), preprotachykinin (PPT) and preprocholecystokinin (CCK) mRNA in caudate-putamen and frontoparietal cortex of rat brain with unilateral lesion of midbrain dopamine neurons. Neurons expressing NPY and SOM mRNA showed a similar distribution and the expression of both NPY and SOM appears to be regulated by dopamine in a similar fashion. Following a dopamine deafferentation, the numerical density of both NPY and SOM mRNA producing neurons almost doubled in the lesioned caudate-putamen with no change in the average grain density over positive neurons. Hence, in the intact caudate-putamen dopamine appears to suppress expression of these two neuropeptide genes leading to an activation of both NPY and SOM mRNA expression in many non- or low-expressing neurons when the level of dopamine is decreased. In the fronto-parietal cortex, on the other hand, dopamine appears to stimulate NPY and SOM gene expression. Thus, in the absence of dopamine about half of the NPY positive neurons disappeared. However, for SOM the number of positive neurons did not change, but rather most positive neurons appeared to have down-regulated their SOM mRNA expression. No evidence was found for a change in CCK mRNA expression by the dopamine deafferentation, while PPT mRNA expression decreased in the deafferented caudate-putamen. Consequently, dopamine exerts dissimilar effects on the expression of different neuropeptide genes, that in turn do not respond in the same way in different brain regions.