PDGFRA, KIT, and KDR Gene Amplification in Glioblastoma: Heterogeneity and Clinical Significance.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most frequent tumor of the central nervous system, and its heterogeneity is a challenge in treatment. This study examined tumoral heterogeneity involving PDGFRA, KIT, and KDR gene amplification (GA) in 4q12 and its association with clinical parameters. Specimens from 22 GBM cases with GA for the 4q12 amplicon detected by FISH were investigated for homogeneous or heterogeneous coamplification patterns, diffuse or focal distribution of cells harboring GA throughout tumor sections, and pattern of clustering of fluorescence signals. Sixteen cases had homogenously amplification for all three genes (45.5%), for PDGFRA and KDR (22.7%), or only for PDGFRA (4.6%); six cases had heterogeneous GA patterns, with subpopulations including GA for all three genes and for two genes - PDGFRA and KDR (13.6%), or GA for all three and for only one gene - PDGFRA (9.1%) or KIT (4.6%). In 6 tumors (27.3%), GA was observed in focal tumor areas, while in the remaining 16 tumors (72.7%) it was diffusely distributed throughout the pathological specimen. Amplification was universally expressed as double minutes and homogenously stained regions. Coamplification of all three genes PDGFRA, KIT, and KDR, age ≥ 60 years, and total tumor resection were statistically associated with poor prognosis. FISH proved effective for detailed interpretation of molecular heterogeneity. The study uncovered an even more diverse range of amplification patterns involving the 4q12 oncogenes in GBM than previously described, thus highlighting a complex tumoral heterogeneity to be considered when devising more effective therapies.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) as an irreplaceable diagnostic tool for Williams-Beuren syndrome in developing countries: a literature review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to sum up and characterize all Williams-Beuren syndrome cases diagnosed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) since its implementation, as well as to discuss FISH as a cost-effective methodology in developing countries. DATA SOURCE: From January 1986 to January 2022, articles were selected using the databases in PubMed (Medline) and SciELO. The following terms were used: Williams syndrome and In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence. Inclusion criteria included Williams-Beuren syndrome cases diagnosed by FISH with a stratified phenotype of each patient. Only studies written in English, Spanish, and Portuguese were included. Studies with overlapping syndromes or genetic conditions were excluded. DATA SYNTHESIS: After screening, 64 articles were included. A total of 205 individuals with Williams-Beuren syndrome diagnosed by FISH were included and further analyzed. Cardiovascular malformations were the most frequent finding (85.4%). Supravalvular aortic stenosis (62.4%) and pulmonary stenosis (30.7%) were the main cardiac alterations described. CONCLUSIONS: Our literature review reinforces that cardiac features may be the key to early diagnosis in Williams-Beuren syndrome patients. In addition, FISH may be the best diagnostic tool for developing nations that have limited access to new technologic resources.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) as an irreplaceable diagnostic tool for Williams-Beuren syndrome in developing countries: a literature review / Hibridização in situ fluorescente (FISH) como ferramenta diagnóstica insubstituível para a síndrome de Williams-Beuren em países em desenvolvimento: uma revisão de literatura

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to sum up and characterize all Williams-Beuren syndrome cases diagnosed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) since its implementation, as well as to discuss FISH as a cost-effective methodology in developing countries. Data source: From January 1986 to January 2022, articles were selected using the databases in PubMed (Medline) and SciELO. The following terms were used: Williams syndrome and In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence. Inclusion criteria included Williams-Beuren syndrome cases diagnosed by FISH with a stratified phenotype of each patient. Only studies written in English, Spanish, and Portuguese were included. Studies with overlapping syndromes or genetic conditions were excluded. Data synthesis After screening, 64 articles were included. A total of 205 individuals with Williams-Beuren syndrome diagnosed by FISH were included and further analyzed. Cardiovascular malformations were the most frequent finding (85.4%). Supravalvular aortic stenosis (62.4%) and pulmonary stenosis (30.7%) were the main cardiac alterations described. Conclusions: Our literature review reinforces that cardiac features may be the key to early diagnosis in Williams-Beuren syndrome patients. In addition, FISH may be the best diagnostic tool for developing nations that have limited access to new technologic resources.

RESUMO Objetivo: Caracterizar todos os casos de síndrome de Williams-Beuren (SWB) diagnosticados por hibridização in situ fluorescente (FISH) desde sua implementação, assim como discutir a relação custo-benefício da metodologia de FISH em países em desenvolvimento. Fontes de dados: Entre janeiro de 1986 e janeiro de 2022 foi realizada uma busca nas bases de dados PubMed (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online — Medline) e Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) usando os seguintes termos: síndrome de Williams e hibridização in situ fluorescente. O critério de inclusão utilizado foi conter a descrição detalhada de caso(s) de SWB por FISH. Apenas estudos escritos em inglês, espanhol e português foram incluídos. Trabalhos que apresentavam sobreposição de síndromes/condições genéticas foram excluídos. Síntese dos dados: Após os processos de inclusão, 64 artigos e 205 indivíduos com SWB diagnosticados por meio do método de FISH foram incluídos. O achado mais frequente entre os indivíduos foi a presença de algum tipo de malformação cardíaca (85,4%). A estenose aórtica supravalvar (62,4%) e a estenose pulmonar (30,7%) foram as alterações cardíacas mais descritas. A maioria dos estudos era proveniente dos continentes Europa, Ásia e América do Norte. Conclusões: A presente revisão de literatura reitera que as malformações cardíacas podem ser a chave para o diagnóstico precoce em pacientes com SWB. Ainda, a técnica de FISH parece ser a melhor ferramenta de diagnóstico para os países em desenvolvimento, cujo acesso às novas tecnologias ainda é escasso.

A child with cat-eye syndrome and oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum phenotype: A discussion around molecular cytogenetic findings.

Cat eye syndrome (CES) is a rare chromosomal disorder that may be evident at birth. A small supernumerary chromosome is present, frequently has 2 centromeres, is bisatellited, and represents an inv dup(22)(q11) in those affected. It's known that the 22q11 region is associated with disorders involving higher and lower gene dosages. Conditions such as CES, 22q11 microduplication syndrome (Dup22q11) and oculoauriculovertebral spectrum phenotype (OAVS) may share genes belonging to this same region, which is known to have a predisposition to chromosomal rearrangements. The conditions, besides being related to chromosome 22, also share similar phenotypes. Here we have added a molecular evaluation update and results found of the first patient described with CES and OAVS phenotype, trying to explain the potential mechanism involved in the occurrence of this association.