Quest: A New Approach to Molecular Staging of Tumors
Abstract
Towards the goal of molecular diagnosis and staging of NFl-related tumors, we proposed to develop and validate a novel PCR-based method, termed QUEST, of rapid and quantitative identification of loci with increases of decreases in genomic copy number in MPNST. We have developed new as says that are sensitive and specific and allow the quantification of one gene copy versus two gene copies. The method was validated on constitutional DNA using assays that determined the copy number of the NFl gene. This methodology will be used for both loss (deletion) of DNA and gain (amplifications) of DNA in tumor cell lines and primary tumors. Assays are in development for the target areas of chromosome lp and l7q22- 24. The amplification and loss of chromosomal material at these regions was confirmed by high resolution karyotypingin two neuroblastoma-derived cell lines that will be employed to test the methodology on tumor tissues. We have made significant progress in assay design for quantification of genomic losses and gains. Implementation of these assays will now test the usefulness of our idea of using QuEST for defining specific losses and gains in tumors.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA421139
Entities
People
- Karen Stephens
Organizations
- University of Washington