Several different genetic alterations in the etiology of Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer [HNPCC]) are known, mostly point mutations and genomic rearrangements in 1 of at least 3 mismatch-repair (MMR) genes. However, no susceptibility factor has yet been identified in a significant part (30-50%) of clinicopathologically well-defined HNPCC families, suggesting the presence of other predisposing mechanisms. In a set of probands from 27 Lynch syndrome families who lacked evidence of a germline mutation in either the MSH2 or MLH1 gene, we performed genomic deletion screening with the use of multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and sequencing. We used immunohistochemistry (IHC) and microsatellite instability (MSI) analyses on samples of the probands of all families. Comparative analysis of mRNA transcripts was performed on blood leukocyte-derived samples from mutation carriers and noncarrier controls. We report that large germline deletions encompassing the last exons of the TACSTD1 gene, upstream of MSH2, cosegregate with the HNPCC phenotype in 19% (5/27) of families tested. The tumors of the carriers show high-level MSI and MSH2 protein loss. We show that these deletions, by removing the transcriptional termination sequences of the upstream gene, give rise to multiple TACSTD1/MSH2 fusion transcripts. Our results provide evidence that deletions removing the last exon of TACSTD1 constitute a distinct class of mutations predisposing to Lynch syndrome. Thus, analysis of the 3' region of the TACSTD1 gene should be included in the routine mutation screening protocols for HNPCC.

Copy number alterations of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene have been extensively analyzed in different cancers, but no data are available for primary malignant melanoma. The aim of the present study was to simultaneously investigate the EGFR gene and chromosome 7 copy number alterations in 81 cutaneous malignant melanomas by interphase FISH and correlate the data with clinicopathological parameters of patients. EGFR mRNA levels were detected by Affymetrix GeneChip Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 expression arrays for 16 lesions. Both increased gene dosage and chromosome 7 alterations were found in 70% of tumors. Extra EGFR copies were detected in an additional 10% of samples. Polysomy 7 was associated with EGFR gene amplification. Significant correlation was found between EGFR alterations and histological subtypes, tumor thickness, ulceration and metastases formation. Amplification was significantly higher in lesions that developed metastases within 2 years after surgical excision of the primary tumor. Gene copy alterations were associated with elevated mRNA expression in 77% of lesions when compared to tumors with disomic EGFR status, the correlation was not directly proportional to gene copy number. Associations between protein expression and mRNA levels were even less prominent. In conclusion, our study indicates that amplification of the EGFR gene and polysomy 7 are frequent alterations in primary melanomas and are associated with bad prognosis. Further studies are required to clarify whether melanoma patients with EGFR alterations can benefit from anti‐EGFR therapy. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

SUMMARYMaternal immunity is mediated exclusively by colostral immunoglobulins in ruminants. As the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) is suggested to be involved in the transport of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the mammary gland, we cloned this receptor from sheep and analysed its expression in the mammary gland around the time of parturition and also in the small intestine from the newborn lamb. FcRn heavy-chain mRNA was detected (by using in situ hybridization) exclusively in the acinar and ductal epithelial cells in mammary gland biopsies both before and after parturition. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the cytoplasm of the epithelial cells of the acini and ducts in the mammary gland biopsies stained homogeneously before parturition. A remarkable difference was observed in the pattern after lambing, where the apical side of the cells was strongly stained. The presence of the FcRn in the acinar and ductal epithelial cells of the mammary gland, and the obvious change in distribution before and after parturition, indicate that the FcRn plays an important role in the transport of IgG during colostrum formation in ruminants. Immunohistochemical analysis detected a strong apical and a weak basal FcRn signal in the duodenal crypt cells of a neonatal lamb, which have been previously demonstrated to secrete IgG1 in newborn ruminants. The FcRn was not detected in the duodenal enterocytes, which absorb intact IgG from the colostrum in a non-specific manner. These data suggest that FcRn is involved in IgG1 secretion in ruminant epithelial cells.

It appears that the p53 mutations and MSI differ in patients with gallbladder carcinoma between two distinct high-incidence areas. Geographic variation might exist in the process of gallbladder carcinogenesis.

A few decades after the collapse of the Avar Khaganate (c. 822 AD), Hungarian invaders conquered the Carpathian Basin (c. 862-895 AD). The first Hungarian ruling dynasty, the Árpáds played an important role in European history during the Middle Ages. King Béla III (1172-1196) was one of the most significant rulers of the dynasty. He also consolidated Hungarian dominance over the Northern Balkans. The provostry church of the Virgin Mary (commonly known as the Royal Basilica of Székesfehérvár) played a prominent role as a coronation church and burial place of medieval Hungarian kings. The basilica's building and graves had been destroyed over the centuries. The only royal graves that remained intact were those of King Béla III and his first spouse, Anna of Antioch. These graves were discovered in 1848. We defined the autosomal STR (short tandem repeat) fingerprints of the royal couple and eight additional individuals (two females and six males) found in the Royal Basilica. These results revealed no evidence of first-degree relationship between any of the investigated individuals. Y-chromosomal STR profiles were also established for all the male skeletons. Based upon the Y-chromosomal data, one male skeleton showed an obvious patrilineal relationship to King Béla III. A database search uncovered an existing Y-chromosomal haplotype, which had a single-repeat difference compared to that of King Béla. It was discovered in a person living in an area close to Hungary. This current male line is probably related paternally to the Árpád Dynasty. The control region of the mitochondrial DNA was determined in the royal couple and in the remains of the inferred relative. The mitochondrial results excluded sibling relationship between the King and the patrilineal relative. In summary, we successfully defined a Y-chromosomal profile of King Béla III, which can serve as a reference for the identification of further remains and disputed living descendants of the Árpád Dynasty. Among the examined skeletons, we discovered an Árpád member, whose exact affiliation, however, has not yet been established.