Abstract 3542: Turbolase: A radically streamlined high throughput sample prep to sequencing workflow

Normalase is a novel enzymatic library normalization method that eliminates library quantification and manual concentration adjustment of each sample prior to library pooling, and the uniform sample processing eliminates numerous error-prone pipetting steps. When combined with Swift 2S Turbo rapid library kits, a highly streamlined ‘Turbolase’ workflow is created that is readily automated on the Hamilton Star and other platforms, where simple bulk processing improves throughput and reduces cost for NGS laboratories. Swift 2S Turbo kits comprise two enzymatic steps and a single purification that completes DNA fragmentation, end repair and adapter ligation. This is followed by standard library amplification using Normalase PCR primers to condition the libraries and produce a required minimum yield in excess of the 4 nM final concentration. This is followed by a single purification and two 15-minute Normalase incubation steps that; 1) enzymatically select 4 nM of each library, and 2) enzymatically normalize each library to 4 nM within a single pool. The pools can then be directly sequenced without further purification. Normalase allows for greater than 10-fold variation in input quantity, while generating less than 10% variation in sample representation within a pool resulting in optimal cluster density and sample balance for Illumina sequencing. Because of the unique workflow, Normalase also eliminates index hopping for libraries sequenced on patterned flow cells. The ‘Turbolase’ workflow is compatible with full-length indexed adapters that have been added by ligation as well as workflows that require indexing PCR primers to complete library construction during library amplification. Normalase is also compatible with library preparation kits available from other vendors. Normalase for pooling of libraries for pre-hybridization capture is currently under development, which will make multiplexed hybridization capture protocols streamlined and robust from library generation to sequencing.

Citation Format: Dustin Masser, Robert Stedtfeld, Justin Lenhart, Vladimir Makarov, Laurie Kurihara. Turbolase: A radically streamlined high throughput sample prep to sequencing workflow [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3542.

Occludin is a direct target of thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1/NKX2-1)

The thyroid transcription factor 1 gene (TTF-1 or NKX2-1) is essential to lung development; however, it is also a critical factor in lung cancer. TTF-1 is amplified in lung cancers, suggesting that it is a gain-of-function lung oncogene. Conversely, TTF-1 counters epithelial to mesenchymal transition in cell-based studies and inhibits progression of primary lung adenocarcinomas to metastases in an animal model of lung adenocarcinomas. The unifying theory regarding TTF-1 is that it exhibits both pro-oncogenic and anti-metastatic function depending on the cellular context. Occludin is the first discovered constituent of the epithelial tight junction; in recent years, a functional role of occludin as a tumor suppressor has begun to emerge. Here, we demonstrate that TTF-1 transactivated the expression of the epithelial tight junction molecules occludin (OCLN) and claudin-1 (CLDN1). We show that transcriptional activation occurred through a direct interaction of TTF-1 with the OCLN and CLDN1 promoters. Furthermore, in cells that lack TTF-1, exogenous TTF-1 expression dampened the inhibitory effect of TGF-β on occludin and claudin-1 content. Using cells derived from a genetically engineered mouse model of lung adenocarcinomas, we observed that silenced TTF-1 expression down-regulated occludin, which we supported with additional siRNA experiments. Finally, TTF-1 knockdown conferred human lung cancer cells resistance to anoikis, and expression of occludin restored cellular sensitivity to anoikis. Overexpression of occludin impeded migration and induced anoikis in lung carcinoma cells. Collectively, these data suggest that TTF-1 transcriptionally regulates occludin, which represents another avenue of TTF-1-mediated metastasis suppression.

A genome survey indicates a possible susceptibility locus for bipolar disorder on chromosome 22

Bipolar disorder or manic depressive illness is a major psychiatric disorder that is characterized by fluctuation between two abnormal mood states. Mania is accompanied by symptoms of euphoria, irritability, or excitation, whereas depression is associated with low mood and decreased motivation and energy. The etiology is currently unknown; however, numerous family, twin, and adoption studies have argued for a substantial genetic contribution. We have conducted a genome survey of bipolar disorder using 443 microsatellite markers in a set of 20 families from the general North American population to identify possible susceptibility loci. A maximum logarithm of odds score of 3.8 was obtained at D22S278 on 22q. Positive scores were found spanning a region of nearly 32 centimorgans (cM) on 22q, with a possible secondary peak at D22S419. Six other chromosomal regions yielded suggestive evidence for linkage: 3p21, 3q27, 5p15, 10q, 13q31-q34, and 21q22. The regions on 22q, 13q, and 10q have been implicated in studies of schizophrenia, suggesting the possible presence of susceptibility genes common to both disorders.