TAC-seq: targeted DNA and RNA sequencing for precise biomarker molecule counting.

Targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods have become essential in medical research and diagnostics. In addition to NGS sensitivity and high-throughput capacity, precise biomolecule counting based on unique molecular identifier (UMI) has potential to increase biomolecule detection accuracy. Although UMIs are widely used in basic research its introduction to clinical assays is still in progress. Here, we present a robust and cost-effective TAC-seq (Targeted Allele Counting by sequencing) method that uses UMIs to estimate the original molecule counts of mRNAs, microRNAs, and cell-free DNA. We applied TAC-seq in three different clinical applications and compared the results with standard NGS. RNA samples extracted from human endometrial biopsies were analyzed using previously described 57 mRNA-based receptivity biomarkers and 49 selected microRNAs at different expression levels. Cell-free DNA aneuploidy testing was based on cell line (47,XX, +21) genomic DNA. TAC-seq mRNA profiling showed identical clustering results to transcriptome RNA sequencing, and microRNA detection demonstrated significant reduction in amplification bias, allowing to determine minor expression changes between different samples that remained undetermined by standard NGS. The mimicking experiment for cell-free DNA fetal aneuploidy analysis showed that TAC-seq can be applied to count highly fragmented DNA, detecting significant (p = 7.6 × 10-4) excess of chromosome 21 molecules at 10% fetal fraction level. Based on three proof-of-principle applications we demonstrate that TAC-seq is an accurate and highly potential biomarker profiling method for advanced medical research and diagnostics.

Advances in the Molecular Pathophysiology, Genetics, and Treatment of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency.

Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) affects ∼1% of women before 40 years of age. The recent leap in genetic knowledge obtained by next generation sequencing (NGS) together with animal models has further elucidated its molecular pathogenesis, identifying novel genes/pathways. Mutations of >60 genes emphasize high genetic heterogeneity. Genome-wide association studies have revealed a shared genetic background between POI and reproductive aging. NGS will provide a genetic diagnosis leading to genetic/therapeutic counseling: first, defects in meiosis or DNA repair genes may predispose to tumors; and second, specific gene defects may predict the risk of rapid loss of a persistent ovarian reserve, an important determinant in fertility preservation. Indeed, a recent innovative treatment of POI by in vitro activation of dormant follicles proved to be successful.

DNA methylation alterations-potential cause of endometriosis pathogenesis or a reflection of tissue heterogeneity?

Alterations in the DNA methylation pattern of endometriotic lesions and endometrium of endometriosis patients have been proposed as one potential factor accompanying the endometriosis development. Although many differentially methylated genes have been associated with the pathogenesis of this disease, the overlap between the results of different studies has remained small. Among other potential confounders, the impact of tissue heterogeneity on the outcome of DNA methylation studies should be considered, as tissues are mixtures of different cell types with their own specific DNA methylation signatures. This review focuses on the results of DNA methylation studies in endometriosis from the cellular heterogeneity perspective. We consider both the studies using highly heterogeneous whole-lesion biopsies and endometrial tissue, as well as pure cell fractions isolated from lesions and endometrium to understand the potential impact of the cellular composition to the results of endometriosis DNA methylation studies. Also, future perspectives on how to diminish the impact of tissue heterogeneity in similar studies are provided.

Whole exome sequencing of benign pulmonary metastasizing leiomyoma reveals mutation in the BMP8B gene.

BACKGROUND: Benign metastasizing leiomyoma (BML) is an orphan neoplasm commonly characterized by pulmonary metastases consisting of smooth muscle cells. Patients with BML have usually a current or previous uterine leiomyoma, which is therefore suggested to be the most probable source of this tumour. The purpose of this case report was to determine the possible genetic grounds for pulmonary BML. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case report in an asymptomatic 44-year-old female patient, who has developed uterine leiomyoma with subsequent pulmonary BML. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was used to detect somatic mutations in BML lesion. Somatic single nucleotide mutations were identified by comparing the WES data between the pulmonary metastasis and blood sample of the same BML patient. One heterozygous somatic mutation was selected for validation by Sanger sequencing. Clonality of the pulmonary metastasis and uterine leiomyoma was assessed by X-chromosome inactivation assay. CONCLUSIONS: We describe a potentially deleterious somatic heterozygous mutation in bone morphogenetic protein 8B (BMP8B) gene (c.1139A > G, Tyr380Cys) that was identified in the pulmonary metastasis and was absent from blood and uterine leiomyoma, and may play a facilitating role in the metastasizing of BML. The clonality assay confirmed a skewed pattern of X-chromosome inactivation, suggesting monoclonal origin of the pulmonary metastases.

MethSurv: a web tool to perform multivariable survival analysis using DNA methylation data.

AIM: To develop a web tool for survival analysis based on CpG methylation patterns. MATERIALS & METHODS: We utilized methylome data from 'The Cancer Genome Atlas' and used the Cox proportional-hazards model to develop an interactive web interface for survival analysis. RESULTS: MethSurv enables survival analysis for a CpG located in or around the proximity of a query gene. For further mining, cluster analysis for a query gene to associate methylation patterns with clinical characteristics and browsing of top biomarkers for each cancer type are provided. MethSurv includes 7358 methylomes from 25 different human cancers. CONCLUSION: The MethSurv tool is a valuable platform for the researchers without programming skills to perform the initial assessment of methylation-based cancer biomarkers.

Variability of genome-wide DNA methylation and mRNA expression profiles in reproductive and endocrine disease related tissues.

Genome-wide association studies in the fields of reproductive medicine and endocrinology are yielding robust genetic variants associated with disease. Integrated genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic molecular profiling studies are common methodologies used to understand the biologic pathways perturbed by these variants. However, molecular profiling resources do not include the tissue most relevant to many female reproductive traits, the endometrium, while the parameters influencing variability of results from its molecular profiling are unclear. We investigated the sources of DNA methylation and RNA expression profile variability in endometrium (n = 135), endometriotic disease tissue (endometriosis), and subcutaneous abdominal fat samples from 24 women, quantifying between-individual, within-tissue (cellular heterogeneity), and technical variation. DNA samples (n = 96) were analyzed using Illumina HumanMethlylation450 BeadChip arrays; RNA samples (n = 39) were analyzed using H12-expression arrays. Variance-component analyses showed that, for the top 10-50% variable DNA methylation/RNA expression sites, between-individual variation far exceeded within-tissue and technical variation. Menstrual-phase accounted for most variability in methylation/expression patterns in endometrium (Pm = 7.8 × 10-3, Pe = 8.4 × 10-5) but not in fat and endometriotic tissue; age was significantly associated with DNA methylation profile of endometrium (Pm = 9 × 10-5) and endometriotic disease tissue (Pm = 2.4 × 10-5); and smoking was significantly associated with DNA methylation in adipose tissue (Pm = 1.8 × 10-3). Hierarchical cluster analysis showed significantly different methylation signatures between endometrium and endometriotic tissue enriched for WNT signaling, angiogenesis, cadherin signaling, and gonadotropin-releasing-hormone-receptor pathways. Differential DNA methylation/expression analyses suggested detection of a limited number of sites with large fold changes (FC > 4), but power calculations accounting for different sources of variability showed that for robust detection >500 tissue samples are required. These results enable appropriate study design for large-scale expression and methylation tissue-based profiling relevant to many reproductive and endocrine traits.

Meta-signature of human endometrial receptivity: a meta-analysis and validation study of transcriptomic biomarkers.

Previous transcriptome studies of the human endometrium have revealed hundreds of simultaneously up- and down-regulated genes that are involved in endometrial receptivity. However, the overlap between the studies is relatively small, and we are still searching for potential diagnostic biomarkers. Here we perform a meta-analysis of endometrial-receptivity associated genes on 164 endometrial samples (76 from 'pre-receptive' and 88 from mid-secretory, 'receptive' phase endometria) using a robust rank aggregation (RRA) method, followed by enrichment analysis, and regulatory microRNA prediction. We identify a meta-signature of endometrial receptivity involving 57 mRNA genes as putative receptivity markers, where 39 of these we confirm experimentally using RNA-sequencing method in two separate datasets. The meta-signature genes highlight the importance of immune responses, the complement cascade pathway and the involvement of exosomes in mid-secretory endometrial functions. Bioinformatic prediction identifies 348 microRNAs that could regulate 30 endometrial-receptivity associated genes, and we confirm experimentally the decreased expression of 19 microRNAs with 11 corresponding up-regulated meta-signature genes in our validation experiments. The 57 identified meta-signature genes and involved pathways, together with their regulatory microRNAs could serve as promising and sought-after biomarkers of endometrial receptivity, fertility and infertility.

Challenges in endometriosis miRNA studies - From tissue heterogeneity to disease specific miRNAs.

In order to uncover miRNA changes in endometriosis pathogenesis, both endometriotic lesions and endometrial biopsies, as well as stromal and epithelial cells isolated from these tissues have been investigated and a large number of dysregulated miRNAs have been reported. However, the concordance between the result of different studies has remained small. One potential explanation for limited overlap between the proposed disease-related miRNAs could be the heterogeneity in tissue composition, as some studies have compared highly heterogeneous whole-lesion biopsies with endometrial tissue, some have compared the endometrium from patients and controls, and some have used pure cell fractions isolated from lesions and endometrium. This review focuses on the results of published miRNA studies in endometriosis to reveal the potential impact of tissue heterogeneity on the discovery of disease-specific miRNA alterations in endometriosis. Additionally, functional studies that explore the roles of endometriosis-involved miRNAs are discussed.

DNA methylation changes in endometrium and correlation with gene expression during the transition from pre-receptive to receptive phase.

The inner uterine lining (endometrium) is a unique tissue going through remarkable changes each menstrual cycle. Endometrium has its characteristic DNA methylation profile, although not much is known about the endometrial methylome changes throughout the menstrual cycle. The impact of methylome changes on gene expression and thereby on the function of the tissue, including establishing receptivity to implanting embryo, is also unclear. Therefore, this study used genome-wide technologies to characterize the methylome and the correlation between DNA methylation and gene expression in endometrial biopsies collected from 17 healthy fertile-aged women from pre-receptive and receptive phase within one menstrual cycle. Our study showed that the overall methylome remains relatively stable during this stage of the menstrual cycle, with small-scale changes affecting 5% of the studied CpG sites (22,272 out of studied 437,022 CpGs, FDR < 0.05). Of differentially methylated CpG sites with the largest absolute changes in methylation level, approximately 30% correlated with gene expression measured by RNA sequencing, with negative correlations being more common in 5' UTR and positive correlations in the gene 'Body' region. According to our results, extracellular matrix organization and immune response are the pathways most affected by methylation changes during the transition from pre-receptive to receptive phase.

Ovarian Physiology and GWAS: Biobanks, Biology, and Beyond.

Ovarian function is central to female fertility, and several genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been carried out to elucidate the genetic background of traits and disorders that reflect and affect ovarian physiology. While GWAS have been successful in reporting numerous genetic associations and highlighting involved pathways relevant to reproductive aging, for ovarian disorders, such as premature ovarian insufficiency and polycystic ovary syndrome, research has lagged behind due to insufficient study sample size. Novel approaches to study design and analysis methods that help to fit GWAS findings into biological context will improve our knowledge about genetics governing ovarian function in fertility and disease, and provide input for clinical tools and better patient management.

Genetic variants associated with female reproductive ageing--potential markers for assessing ovarian function and ovarian stimulation outcome.

This study searched for genetic markers of ovarian function, ovarian stimulation and IVF treatment outcome among genetic variants related to female reproductive ageing. It included 471 treatment cycles from 306 women undergoing IVF treatment. Genotypes for 36 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were evaluated for their association with early follicular phase parameters together with ovarian stimulation and IVF outcome parameters. Results show that genetic variation related to menopause timing also affects ovarian function, as several selected genetic markers were associated with studied traits. For example, rs2153157 (SYCP2L) was associated with amount of recombinant FSH (rFSH) necessary for obtaining one oocyte (P = 0.049) and the chances of biochemical and clinical pregnancy (P = 0.024 and P = 0.011, respectively), while rs4886238 (TDRD3) showed association with both the number of punctured ovarian follicles and oocytes obtained (P = 0.008 and P = 0.037, respectively). Furthermore, FSHB polymorphisms influence early follicular phase FSH concentrations and IVF treatment outcome, whereas SNPs in FSHR affect early antral follicle count and follicle numbers obtained during ovarian stimulation. This study suggests that genetic markers of female reproductive ageing are potential new biomarker candidates that could be considered in clinical ovarian reserve and function assessment in assisted conception.

Pregnancy rate in endometriosis patients according to the severity of the disease after using a combined approach of laparoscopy, GnRH agonist treatment and in vitro fertilization.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of combined treatment approaches on endometriosis-associated infertility in different stages of endometriosis using laparoscopy, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist (GnRHa) therapy and in vitro fertilization (IVF). METHODS: This retrospective study was carried out on 179 women with surgically confirmed endometriosis. Patients were divided into subgroups: group 1 (stage I-II, n = 121) and group 2 (stage III-IV, n = 58). Patients eligible for IVF, who were found to have adenomyosis or moderate to severe endometriosis, were also given postoperative GnRHa. Pregnancy and delivery rates were cumulatively calculated during 5 years according to the severity of the disease. RESULTS: The overall pregnancy, delivery and miscarriage rates were 66.5, 56.4 and 15.1%, respectively, for all patients following spontaneous and assisted conception. There were no significant differences in reproductive outcomes between the study groups. The pregnancy and delivery rates were also comparable within group 1 between the patients with and without GnRHa treatment. CONCLUSION: Pregnancy and delivery rates at different stages of endometriosis were not affected by the different approaches used for infertility treatment, with >60 and >50% of patients having conceived and delivered a baby, respectively, in both groups. The usefulness of GnRHa treatment for endometriosis patients with minimal to mild forms is questionable and deserves further studies.

High-throughput sequencing approach uncovers the miRNome of peritoneal endometriotic lesions and adjacent healthy tissues.

Accumulating data have shown the involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in endometriosis pathogenesis. In this study, we used a novel approach to determine the endometriotic lesion-specific miRNAs by high-throughput small RNA sequencing of paired samples of peritoneal endometriotic lesions and matched healthy surrounding tissues together with eutopic endometria of the same patients. We found five miRNAs specific to epithelial cells--miR-34c, miR-449a, miR-200a, miR-200b and miR-141 showing significantly higher expression in peritoneal endometriotic lesions compared to healthy peritoneal tissues. We also determined the expression levels of miR-200 family target genes E-cadherin, ZEB1 and ZEB2 and found that the expression level of E-cadherin was significantly higher in endometriotic lesions compared to healthy tissues. Further evaluation verified that studied miRNAs could be used as diagnostic markers for confirming the presence of endometrial cells in endometriotic lesion biopsy samples. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the miRNA profile of peritoneal endometriotic lesion biopsies is largely masked by the surrounding peritoneal tissue, challenging the discovery of an accurate lesion-specific miRNA profile. Taken together, our findings indicate that only particular miRNAs with a significantly higher expression in endometriotic cells can be detected from lesion biopsies, and can serve as diagnostic markers for endometriosis.