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Updated: May 8, 2026
miRNA Expression Analyses in Prostate Cancer Clinical Tissues
Published on: September 8, 2015
Amplification of different satellite-DNAs in prostate cancer
Nurul Aida Ariffen1, Antonio Augusto Ornellas2, Gilda Alves3
1Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, Institute of Human Genetics, Jena, Germany; Laboratory, Subang Jaya Medical Centre, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
Abstract:
In various solid tumors and corresponding cell lines, prior research has identified acquired copy number variations (CNVs) encompassing centromeric satellite-DNA sequences. This observation emerged from the application of centromeric probes (satellite-DNA) as controls in molecular cytogenetic investigations and diagnostics, although these accounts were largely anecdotal. In this study, we conducted a systematic screening for satellite-DNA sequence amplification in 31 prostate cancer (PCa) samples, a prevalent malignancy in men characterized by discernible molecular cytogenetic aberrations. Notably, PCa-typical genetic aberrations, such as TMPRSS2-ERG gene rearrangements and PTEN deletion, were identified in 12 and 6 out of the 31 PCa samples, respectively. Overall, PCa exhibited genomic instability marked by chromosomal gain or loss of signals across nearly all tested satellite-DNA regions, with particular emphasis on the Y-chromosome (18/31 cases). Remarkably, 5/12 PCa samples representing more advanced metastatic cancer displayed amplification of one or two satellite DNA stretches each, being detectable as blocks analogous to homogenously staining regions. Notably, these stretches included α-satellite DNA derived from chromosomes 2, 3, 4, 15, and 20, as well as satellite-III DNAs (D1Z1 and DYZ1). These findings align with recent discoveries indicating that α-satellite DNAs are expressed as long-non-coding RNAs in advanced cancer, particularly in the context of PCa.
Insights
Prostate cancer (PCa) shows genomic instability with copy number variations in satellite-DNA sequences. Advanced PCa cases exhibit amplification of specific satellite DNA regions, linked to long-non-coding RNA expression.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Acquired copy number variations (CNVs) involving centromeric satellite-DNA sequences have been anecdotally observed in solid tumors.
- Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common malignancy with known molecular cytogenetic aberrations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically screen for satellite-DNA sequence amplification in prostate cancer samples.
- To investigate the association between satellite-DNA alterations and PCa progression.
Main Methods:
- Systematic screening of 31 prostate cancer samples for satellite-DNA sequence amplification.
- Analysis of PCa-typical genetic aberrations including TMPRSS2-ERG gene rearrangements and PTEN deletion.
- Assessment of genomic instability across satellite-DNA regions, with a focus on the Y-chromosome.
Main Results:
- Prostate cancer samples displayed genomic instability with chromosomal gains or losses in most tested satellite-DNA regions, notably the Y-chromosome (18/31 cases).
- Five out of 12 advanced metastatic prostate cancer samples showed amplification of specific satellite DNA stretches (α-satellite DNA from chromosomes 2, 3, 4, 15, 20, and satellite-III DNAs D1Z1, DYZ1).
- These amplified regions were detectable as blocks similar to homogenously staining regions.
Conclusions:
- Prostate cancer exhibits significant genomic instability involving satellite-DNA sequences.
- Amplification of specific satellite DNA regions occurs in advanced metastatic prostate cancer.
- Findings support recent research on α-satellite DNA expression as long-non-coding RNAs in advanced cancers, particularly PCa.
