Computational Method for Estimating DNA Copy Numbers in Normal Samples, Cancer Cell Lines, and Solid Tumors Using Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization

Abstract EN

Genomic copy number variations are a typical feature of cancer.

These variations may influence cancer outcomes as well as effectiveness of treatment.

There are many computational methods developed to detect regions with deletions and amplifications without estimating actual copy numbers (CN) in these regions.

We have developed a computational method capable of detecting regions with deletions and amplifications as well as estimating actual copy numbers in these regions.

The method is based on determining how signal intensity from different probes is related to CN, taking into account changes in the total genome size, and incorporating into analysis contamination of the solid tumors with benign tissue.

Hidden Markov Model is used to obtain the most likely CN solution.

The method has been implemented for Affymetrix 500K GeneChip arrays and Agilent 244K oligonucleotide arrays.

The results of CN analysis for normal cell lines, cancer cell lines, and tumor samples are presented.

The method is capable of detecting copy number alterations in tumor samples with up to 80% contamination with benign tissue.

Analysis of 178 cancer cell lines reveals multiple regions of common homozygous deletions and strong amplifications encompassing known tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes as well as novel cancer related genes.