The presence of recurrent high-risk mutations in cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A/cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDKN2A/CDK4) among melanoma-prone families suggests that a high-throughput,... Show moreThe presence of recurrent high-risk mutations in cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A/cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDKN2A/CDK4) among melanoma-prone families suggests that a high-throughput, multiplex assay could serve as an effective initial screening tool. To this end, we have developed a multiplex bead-based assay for high-throughput CDKN2A/CDK4 genotyping in the context of familial melanoma. Genomic DNA from 1,603 subjects (1,005 in training set and 598 in validation set) were amplified by multiplex PCR using five CDKN2A/CDK4 primer sets followed by multiplex allele-specific primer extension for 39 distinct germline variants. The products were then sorted and analyzed using the Luminex xMAP system. Genotypes were compared with previously determined sequence data. In the Toronto training cohort, all 145 samples with known variants were detected by the bead assay (100% concordance). Analysis of the 598 samples from the GenoMEL validation set led to identification of 150/155 expected variants (96.77%). Overall, the bead assay correctly genotyped 1,540/1,603 (96.07%) of all individuals in the study and 1,540/1,545 (99.68%) of individuals whose variants were represented in the probe set. Out of a total of 62,517 allelic calls, 62,512 (99.99%) were correctly assigned. The multiplex bead-based assay is an accurate method for genotyping CDKN2A/CDK4 variants and is potentially useful in genotyping low-to-moderate melanoma risk single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Show less
Background Carrying the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) germline mutations is associated with a high risk for melanoma. Penetrance of CDKN2A mutations is modified by pigmentation... Show moreBackground Carrying the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) germline mutations is associated with a high risk for melanoma. Penetrance of CDKN2A mutations is modified by pigmentation characteristics, nevus phenotypes, and some variants of the melanocortin-1 receptor gene (MC1R), which is known to have a role in the pigmentation process. However, investigation of the associations of both MC1R variants and host phenotypes with melanoma risk has been limited. Methods We included 815 CDKN2A mutation carriers (473 affected, and 342 unaffected, with melanoma) from 186 families from 15 centers in Europe, North America, and Australia who participated in the Melanoma Genetics Consortium. In this family-based study, we assessed the associations of the four most frequent MC1R variants (V60L, V92M, R151C, and R160W) and the number of variants (1, >= 2 variants), alone or jointly with the host phenotypes (hair color, propensity to sunburn, and number of nevi), with melanoma risk in CDKN2A mutation carriers. These associations were estimated and tested using generalized estimating equations. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results Carrying any one of the four most frequent MC1R variants (V60L, V92M, R151C, R160W) in CDKN2A mutation carriers was associated with a statistically significantly increased risk for melanoma across all continents (1.24 x 10(-6) < P < .0007). A consistent pattern of increase in melanoma risk was also associated with increase in number of MC1R variants. The risk of melanoma associated with at least two MC1R variants was 2.6-fold higher than the risk associated with only one variant (odds ratio = 5.83 [95% confidence interval = 3.60 to 9.46] vs 2.25 [95% confidence interval = 1.44 to 3.52]; P-trend = 1.86 x 10(-8)). The joint analysis of MC1R variants and host phenotypes showed statistically significant associations of melanoma risk, together with MC1R variants (.0001 <= P <= .04), hair color (.006 <= P <= .06), and number of nevi (6.9 x 10(-6) <= P <= .02). Conclusion Results show that MC1R variants, hair color, and number of nevi were jointly associated with melanoma risk in CDKN2A mutation carriers. This joint association may have important consequences for risk assessments in familial settings. Show less
