Publications by authors named "Stephanie D Mellott"

Background: Lynch syndrome is a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome caused by germline mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes, which lead to high microsatellite instability and frameshift mutations at coding mononucleotide repeats in the genome. Recurrent frameshift mutations in these regions are thought to play a central role in the increased risk of various cancers, but no biomarkers are currently available for the surveillance of high microsatellite instability-associated cancers.

Methods: A frameshift mutation-based biomarker panel was developed and validated by targeted next-generation sequencing of supernatant DNA from cultured high microsatellite instability colorectal cancer cells.

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Background: Genome integrity is essential for the survival of an organism. DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes (e.g.

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Malignant mesothelioma (MMe) is a rare malignancy originating from the linings of the pleural, peritoneal and pericardial cavities. The best-defined risk factor is exposure to carcinogenic mineral fibers (e.g.

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Article Synopsis
  • Lynch syndrome (LS) is a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome linked to harmful genetic variants in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes, with a specific variant prevalent in the Canadian Inuit population.
  • A common founder variant in the PMS2 gene causes both a benign missense change and a significant splicing defect, leading to a truncated protein and increased risk of cancer in homozygous individuals.
  • Researchers developed a mouse model with a similar genetic mutation, which shows similar splicing defects and several cancer characteristics, thus providing a useful tool for studying potential treatments for this condition, particularly in the Canadian Inuit community.
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To ensure accuracy of (rs3064744) genotyping for use in pharmacogenomics-based irinotecan dosing, we tested the concordance of several commonly used genotyping technologies. Heuristic genotype groupings and principal component analysis demonstrated concordance for Illumina sequencing, fragment analysis, and fluorescent PCR. However, Illumina sequencing and fragment analysis returned a range of fragment sizes, likely arising due to PCR "slippage".

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