Characterization of the microDNA through the response to chemotherapeutics in lymphoblastoid cell lines

PLoS One. 2017 Sep 6;12(9):e0184365. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184365. eCollection 2017.

Abstract

Recently, a new class of extrachromosomal circular DNA, called microDNA, was identified. They are on average 100 to 400 bp long and are derived from unique non-repetitive genomic regions with high gene density. MicroDNAs are thought to arise from DNA breaks associated with RNA metabolism or replication slippage. Given the paucity of information on this entirely novel phenomenon, we aimed to get an additional insight into microDNA features by performing the microDNA analysis in 20 independent human lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) prior and after treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs. The results showed non-random genesis of microDNA clusters from the active regions of the genome. The size periodicity of 190 bp was observed, which matches DNA fragmentation typical for apoptotic cells. The chemotherapeutic drug-induced apoptosis of LCLs increased both number and size of clusters further suggesting that part of microDNAs could result from the programmed cell death. Interestingly, proportion of identified microDNA sequences has common loci of origin when compared between cell line experiments. While compatible with the original observation that microDNAs originate from a normal physiological process, obtained results imply complementary source of its production. Furthermore, non-random genesis of microDNAs depicted by redundancy between samples makes these entities possible candidates for new biomarker generation.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Apoptosis
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • DNA Replication
  • DNA, Circular / genetics*
  • Genome, Human
  • Genomics
  • Humans
  • Lymphocytes / cytology*
  • Lymphocytes / drug effects*
  • Microarray Analysis*
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / drug therapy
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / genetics*
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Biomarkers
  • DNA, Circular

Grants and funding

This study was supported by the Innovation grant from the Canadian Cancer Society Research Institute (702022)D.S M.K. The operation of the Calcul Québec supercomputer is funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) D.S., NanoQuébec D.S., RMGA D.S.and the Fonds de recherche du Québec - Nature et technologies (FRQ-NT)D.S.