Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026
Comparative Lesions Analysis Through a Targeted Sequencing Approach
Published on: November 5, 2019
Nonrandom DNA copy number changes related to lymph node metastases in squamous cell carcinoma of the lung
M Rydzanicz1, M Giefing, A Ziolkowski
1Institute of Human Genetics Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland. marydz@man.poznan.pl
Abstract:
Lung cancer is one of the most common malignancies and cancer-related death worldwide. Lymph node metastasis is the main cause of treatment failure. Although many studies were performed to evaluate genetic events associated with development and progression of lung cancer, molecular mechanism still remains poorly defined. In the present study, using comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) technique, we described the pattern of DNA copy number changes in a cohort of 42 primary squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the lung. A direct comparison of nonmetastatic (TxN0M0) and metastatic (TxN1-2M0) tumors was performed to define chromosomal imbalances related to lymph node metastases. Some genetic alterations were observed more frequently in metastatic than in non-metastatic tumors, including losses at 11q, 16p, 16q, 19p and gains at 4q, 7q, 12p, 13q, 18p. The gain at 7q with the smallest common altered region 7q31.2-q32, was found to be directly associated with lymph node involvement (p=0.0407). We suggest that the established chromosomal region harbors two putative tumor suppressor genes WNT2 and c-Met. An overexpresion of these genes seems to be involved in inducing the invasive growth and metastatic potential of SCC of the lung.
Insights
Genetic changes in lung cancer, specifically squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), were analyzed. A DNA copy number gain at 7q31.2-q32 was linked to lymph node metastasis, suggesting WNT2 and c-Met genes
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death globally.
- Lymph node metastasis significantly impacts treatment outcomes in lung cancer.
- The precise molecular mechanisms driving lung cancer progression remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate DNA copy number alterations in primary lung squamous cell carcinomas (SCC).
- To identify chromosomal imbalances associated with lymph node metastasis.
- To explore potential genes involved in SCC metastasis.
Main Methods:
- Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) was employed.
- 42 primary lung SCC samples were analyzed.
- Metastatic (TxN1-2M0) and non-metastatic (TxN0M0) tumors were directly compared.
Main Results:
- Specific genetic alterations were more frequent in metastatic SCCs.
- These include losses at 11q, 16p, 16q, 19p and gains at 4q, 7q, 12p, 13q, 18p.
- A significant association was found between gain at 7q31.2-q32 and lymph node involvement (p=0.0407).
Conclusions:
- The chromosomal region 7q31.2-q32 harbors genes potentially driving metastasis in lung SCC.
- WNT2 and c-Met are suggested as putative tumor suppressor genes in this region.
- Overexpression of WNT2 and c-Met may contribute to the invasive and metastatic potential of lung SCC.
Related Concept Videos
02:26Comparing Copy Number Variations and SNPs
Copy number variations or CNVs are the structural variations that cover more than 1kb of DNA sequence. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), on the other hand, is a single nucleotide change or a point mutation that is found in more than 1%...
02:21Cancers Originate from Somatic Mutations in a Single Cell
02:07Tumor Progression
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...