Integrative detection and analysis of structural variation in cancer genomes

Nat Genet. 2018 Oct;50(10):1388-1398. doi: 10.1038/s41588-018-0195-8. Epub 2018 Sep 10.

Abstract

Structural variants (SVs) can contribute to oncogenesis through a variety of mechanisms. Despite their importance, the identification of SVs in cancer genomes remains challenging. Here, we present a framework that integrates optical mapping, high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C), and whole-genome sequencing to systematically detect SVs in a variety of normal or cancer samples and cell lines. We identify the unique strengths of each method and demonstrate that only integrative approaches can comprehensively identify SVs in the genome. By combining Hi-C and optical mapping, we resolve complex SVs and phase multiple SV events to a single haplotype. Furthermore, we observe widespread structural variation events affecting the functions of noncoding sequences, including the deletion of distal regulatory sequences, alteration of DNA replication timing, and the creation of novel three-dimensional chromatin structural domains. Our results indicate that noncoding SVs may be underappreciated mutational drivers in cancer genomes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • A549 Cells
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Chromosome Mapping
  • DNA, Neoplasm / analysis
  • DNA, Neoplasm / genetics
  • Genes, Neoplasm
  • Genetic Variation
  • Genome, Human*
  • Genomic Structural Variation*
  • High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing / methods
  • Humans
  • K562 Cells
  • Linkage Disequilibrium
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA / methods
  • Systems Biology / methods*
  • Systems Integration

Substances

  • DNA, Neoplasm