Brain Cancer Mutation PCR Array

The Human Brain (GBM/CNS) Cancer qBiomarker Somatic Mutation PCR Array is a translational research tool that allows rapid, accurate, and comprehensive profiling of the top somatic mutations in human GBM/CNS cancer in the following genes: BRAF, CTNNB1/beta-catenin, EGFR, IDH1, IDH2, KRAS, NF2, NRAS, PIK3CA, and PTEN. These mutations warrant extensive investigation to enhance the understanding of carcinogenesis and identify potential drug targets. Numerous research studies have demonstrated the utility of individual and multiple somatic mutation status information in identifying key signaling transduction disruptions. For example, the mutation status of the EGFR and KRAS genes can predict the physiological response to certain drugs targeting these molecules. The Human GBM/CNS Cancer qBiomarker Somatic Mutation PCR Array, with its comprehensive content coverage, is designed for the study of mutations in the context of GBM/CNS cancers and has the potential for discovery and verification of drug target biomarkers for these cancer types and other cancer types in which these mutations have been identified. This array includes 37 DNA sequence mutation assays designed to detect the most frequent, functionally verified, and biologically significant mutations in human GBM/CNS cancers. These mutations were chosen from curated, comprehensive somatic mutation databases and peer-reviewed scientific literature, and represent the most frequently recurring somatic mutations compiled from over 7800 CNS cancer samples (including 6850 glioma samples). Each 96-well array allows profiling of the mutation status of 2 samples, while each 384-well format array allows mutation profiling of 8 samples. The simplicity of the product format and operating procedure allows routine somatic mutation profiling in any research laboratory with access to real-time PCR instruments.

BRAF: 1 Assay
The most important BRAF mutation in brain cancer leads to increased kinase activity, the p. V600E mutation.

CTNNB1: 5 Assays
The most frequently detected CTNNB1/beta-catenin mutations result in abnormal signaling in the WNT signaling pathway. The mutated codons are mainly several serine/threonine residues targeted for phosphorylation by GSK-3beta.

EGFR: 4 Assays
The most frequently identified EGFR mutations include P-loop and activation loop point mutations, kinase domain deletions, and insertion mutations.

IDH1: 5 Assays
Most of these mutations abolish magnesium binding and alters the enzyme's activity to convert alpha-ketoglutarate into R(-)-2-hydroxyglutarate instead of isocitrate into alpha-ketoglutarate.

IDH2: 3 Assays
These mutations all lie in the substrate binding domain, and one (p.R140Q) is associated with D-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria.

KRAS: 2 Assays
The mutation assays include the most frequently occurring mutations in KRAS codons 12, 13, and 61. Mutations at these positions result in reduced intrinsic GTPase activity and/or cause KRAS to become unresponsive to RasGAP.

NF2: 1 Assay
NF2 is similar to some members of the ERM (ezrin, radixin, moesin) family of proteins and links cell-surface proteins with cytoskeletal components and proteins involved in cytoskeletal dynamics. Mutations in this gene are associated with neurofibromatosis type II which is characterized by nervous system and skin tumors and ocular abnormalities.

NRAS: 1 Assay
The most important NRAS mutation in brain cancer occurs at codon 61.

PIK3CA: 3 Assays
The most frequently occurring PIK3CA mutations mainly belong to two classes: gain-of-function kinase domain activating mutations and helical domain mutations that mimic activation by growth factors.

PTEN: 12 Assays
The most commonly detected PTEN loss-of-function mutations are due to either truncation (p.R233* and p.R130*) or point mutations causing phosphatase inactivation (p.R130 and p.R173 mutations).