Employing Digital Droplet PCR to Detect BRAF V600E Mutations in Formalin-fixed Paraffin-embedded Reference Standard Cell Lines

Summary

The goal of this video is to demonstrate how to perform automated DNA extraction from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) reference standard cell lines and digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) analysis to detect rare mutations in a clinical setting. Detecting mutations in FFPE samples demonstrates the clinical utility of ddPCR in FFPE samples.

Abstract

ddPCR is a highly sensitive PCR method that utilizes a water-oil emulsion system. Using a droplet generator, an extracted nucleic acid sample is partitioned into ~20,000 nano-sized, water-in-oil droplets, and PCR amplification occurs in individual droplets. The ddPCR approach is in identifying sequence mutations, copy number alterations, and select structural rearrangements involving targeted genes. Here, we demonstrate the use of ddPCR as a powerful technique for precisely quantitating rare BRAF V600E mutations in FFPE reference standard cell lines, which is helpful in identifying individuals with cancer. In conclusion, ddPCR technique offers the potential to precisely profile the specific rare mutations in different genes in various types of FFPE samples.

Introduction

The accumulation of genetic mutations in key regulatory genes alters normal cell programing like cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival, leading to cancer¹. The RAS-RAF-MAP kinase pathway mediates cellular responses to growth signals. Oncogenic BRAF mutations can result from driver mutations in the BRAF gene, which may cause the BRAF oncoprotein to become overactive². Mutations in the BRAF gene also result in overactive downstream signaling via MEK and ERK³, which, in turn, leads to excessive cell growth and proliferation independently of growth factor-mediated regulation^4....

Protocol

1. DNA Extraction from FFPE Reference Standard Cell Lines

Note: For this procedure, DNA extraction was performed from FFPE reference standard cell lines (HD598, HD593, HD617, HD273 and wildtype (WT)) using the FFPE Tissue DNA isolation kit as described in the protocol below. Automated DNA extraction was achieved by following the manufacturer's instructions for total DNA isolation.

1. Using a microtome and the original FFPE block, manually prepare fresh sections prior to DNA extraction and analysis, according to established procedures. Ensure that the sample input for the tissue section(s) analyzed does not exceed a combined tot....

Results

For our ddPCR analysis, we studied the BRAF V600E mutation FFPE reference standard cell lines. The droplet reader connects to a laptop computer running data analysis software. Each individual droplet is defined on the basis of fluorescent amplitude as being either positive or negative. The software provided by manufacturer also allows a user-defined cutoff to be entered to define the threshold between the positive and negative droplets. The number of positive and negative droplets in a sample is used to calculat.......

Discussion

Here, we highlight the applicability of ddPCR and DNA isolation from FFPE reference standard cell line samples for a specific gene mutation assessment. In this study, TPS automated DNA isolation method is used which can be readily adapted, automated, and can accommodate up to 48 different samples simultaneously, allowing for larger scale experiments and lower variability. One of the limitations of the DNA isolation in the present work is that every FFPE sample is unique, and will vary one another in surface contaminants,.......

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Hamilton MICROLAB STARlet IVD instrument	Siemens	10701001	Automated DNA isolation instrument
QX200 Droplet Generator	Bio-Rad	772BR1119
QX200 Droplet Reader	Bio-Rad	771BR1497
Conventional PCR machine capable of ramp-time adjustment		621BR17718
PX1 PCR plate sealer	Bio-Rad	770BR1575
QuantaSoft software	Bio-Rad
DNA isolation kit
VERSANT Tissue Preparation Reagents Box 1	Siemens	10632398
VERSANT Tissue Preparation Reagents Box 1	Siemens	10632399
CO-RE tips	Siemens
ddPCR mutation analysis
ddPCR Supermix	Bio-Rad	BR186-3010	2X concentration
DG8 cartridge	Bio-Rad	BR186-4008
Droplet Generator oil	Bio-Rad	BR-186-3005
Gasket	Bio-Rad	BR186-3006
Droplet reader oil	Bio-Rad	BR-186-3004