Whole genome microarray analysis in non-small cell lung cancer.

Lung cancer is a serious health problem, since it is one of the leading causes for death worldwide. Molecular-cytogenetic studies could provide reliable data about genetic alterations which could be related to disease pathogenesis and be used for better prognosis and treatment strategies. We performed whole genome oligonucleotide microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization in 10 samples of non-small cell lung cancer. Trisomies were discovered for chromosomes 1, 13, 18 and 20. Chromosome arms 5p, 7p, 11q, 20q and Хq were affected by genetic gains, and 1p, 5q, 10q and 15q, by genetic losses. Microstructural (<5 Mbp) genomic aberrations were revealed: gains in regions 7p (containing the epidermal growth factor receptor gene) and 12p (containing KRAS) and losses in 3p26 and 4q34. Based on high amplitude of alterations and small overlapping regions, new potential oncogenes may be suggested: NBPF4 (1p13.3); ETV1, AGR3 and TSPAN13 (7p21.3-7p21.1); SOX5 and FGFR1OP2 (12p12.1-12p11.22); GPC6 (13q32.1). Significant genetic losses were assumed to contain potential tumour-suppressor genes: DPYD (1p21.3); CLDN22, CLDN24, ING2, CASP3, SORBS2 (4q34.2-q35.1); DEFB (8p23.1). Our results complement the picture of genomic characterization of non-small cell lung cancer.

Comparative analysis of clastogen-induced chromosome aberrations observed with light microscopy and by means of atomic force microscopy.

Different types of chromosome aberration were observed in mouse bone-marrow cells after treatment with 4-bromo-N,N-diethyl-5,5-dimethyl-2,5-dihydro-1,2-oxaphosphol-2-amine 2-oxide (Br-oxaphosphole, Br-oxph) in a previous study. The aim of the present study is to perform a comparative analysis of these chromosomal damages observed with light microscopy (LM) and by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM). The kinds of aberrations scored by LM were substantially corrected by images at the ultrastructural level. The AFM analysis excluded 29.0% of gaps and 33.3% of fusion-type aberrations. On the other hand, AFM revealed the presence of aberrations that were not visible under the LM. This indicates that only AFM images would provide precise information about the real nature of chromosomal damages. The results of our study revealed that the 'real gaps' represented about 50% of all the gaps visible under LM. Excluded 'false gaps' were detected via AFM as breaks or decondensed chromosome regions. These results would support the statement that gaps must be included when testing genotoxicity. The ultrastructural analysis also confirmed the validity of using LM in the mouse bone-marrow chromosome aberration test, as a tool for detecting genotoxicity of chemicals in routine studies. When there is a need for precise evaluation of chromosome damage, only AFM images can provide information on specific genotoxic effects.

Genomic diversity of Ac-like transposable elements in sphaerococcum mutant forms of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and triticale (X Triticosecale Witt.).

DNA sequences homologous to the maize Activator (Ac) element are widespread in plant genomes. Nowadays, several reports are available concerning the distribution and characterisation of Ac-homologous sequences in natural populations of different cereal species. but these mobile genetic elements still remain to be comprehensively characterised. In this respect, there is a particular lack of information about the dynamics of Ac-homologous sequences within mutant germplasm collections. Here, we present data on the genomic diversity and methylation patterns of Ac-homologous sequences in ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS)-induced sphaerococcum mutant forms of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and triticale (X Triticosecale Witt.). The results show that the initial EMS treatment has influenced the wheat genome stability by enhancing the dynamics of Ac transposon-homologous sequences.

Early events in the evolution of the Silene latifolia Y chromosome: male specialization and recombination arrest.

Understanding the origin and evolution of sex chromosomes requires studying recently evolved X-Y chromosome systems such as those in some flowering plants. We describe Y chromosome deletion mutants of Silene latifolia, a dioecious plant with heteromorphic sex chromosomes. The combination of results from new and previously described deletions with histological descriptions of their stamen development defects indicates the presence of two distinct Y regions containing loci with indispensable roles in male reproduction. We determined their positions relative to the two main sex determination functions (female suppressing and the other male promoting). A region proximal to the centromere on the Y p arm containing the putative stamen promoting sex determination locus includes additional early stamen developmental factors. A medial region of the Y q arm carries late pollen fertility factors. Cytological analysis of meiotic X-Y pairing in one of the male-sterile mutants indicates that the Y carries sequences or functions specifically affecting sex chromosome pairing.