title: Copy number variation in archival melanoma biopsies versus benign melanocytic lesions.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Skin melanocytes can give rise to benign and malignant neoplasms. Discrimination of an early melanoma from an unusual/atypical benign nevus can represent a significant challenge. However, previous studies have shown that in contrast to benign nevi, melanoma demonstrates pervasive chromosomal aberrations.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This substantial difference between melanoma and benign nevi can be exploited to discriminate between melanoma and benign nevi.
  
  
  METHODS
  Array-comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) is an approach that can be used on DNA extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues to assess the entire genome for the presence of changes in DNA copy number. In this study, high resolution, genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays were utilized to perform comprehensive and detailed analyses of recurrent copy number aberrations in 41 melanoma samples in comparison with 21 benign nevi.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found statistically significant copy number gains and losses within melanoma samples. Some of the identified aberrations are previously implicated in melanoma. Moreover, novel regions of copy number alterations were identified, revealing new candidate genes potentially involved in melanoma pathogenesis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Taken together, these findings can help improve melanoma diagnosis and introduce novel melanoma therapeutic targets.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Ahmed
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mahas
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Keerti
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Potluri
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH, USA.|Dermatopathology Laboratory of Central States, Dayton, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Michael N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Kent
authors.affiliation: Dermatopathology Laboratory of Central States, Dayton, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Sameep
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Naik
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Markey
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001706:Biopsy; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D055028:Comparative Genomic Hybridization; D056915:DNA Copy Number Variations; D005260:Female; D005784:Gene Amplification; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D008545:Melanoma / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009506:Nevus / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D017384:Sequence Deletion; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Array comparative genomic hybridization; FFPE; melanoma