Integrative Whole-Genome and Epigenome profiling of cfDNA in Familial Prostate Cancer: Insights from a Pilot Study
Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignancies in men, with familial forms accounting for nearly 20% of cases. Early detection and risk stratification remain challenging, especially in individuals with a genetic predisposition. In this pilot study, we evaluated the feasibility and clinical relevance of an integrated multi-omic approach by performing whole-genome, strand-specific sequencing of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from eight patients with confirmed familial PCa. Through an integrated analysis pipeline, we identified 18,878 genetic variants, of which 2,276 were potentially pathogenic. Among these, 26 recurrent high-impact mutations—such as stop-gain and start-loss variants—were found in genes including MUC4, MCM9, and SKA3. Epigenomic profiling revealed widespread hypermethylation in these genes, suggesting transcriptional repression, while allele-specific methylation (ASM) was detected in TTC22, TEX51, WDR89, LAIR2, and SKA3, indicating functional interplay between somatic mutations and local epigenetic regulation. These findings demonstrate the potential of combining genetic and epigenetic data from cfDNA to uncover novel markers for improved stratification and personalized management of familial prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignancies in men, with familial forms accounting for nearly 20% of cases. Early detection and risk stratification remain challenging, especially in individuals with a genetic predisposition. In this pilot study, we evaluated the feasibility and clinical relevance of an integrated multi-omic approach by performing whole-genome, strand-specific sequencing of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from eight patients with confirmed familial PCa. Through an integrated analysis pipeline, we identified 18,878 genetic variants, of which 2,276 were potentially pathogenic. Among these, 26 recurrent high-impact mutations—such as stop-gain and start-loss variants—were found in genes including MUC4, MCM9, and SKA3. Epigenomic profiling revealed widespread hypermethylation in these genes, suggesting transcriptional repression, while allele-specific methylation (ASM) was detected in TTC22, TEX51, WDR89, LAIR2, and SKA3, indicating functional interplay between somatic mutations and local epigenetic regulation. These findings demonstrate the potential of combining genetic and epigenetic data from cfDNA to uncover novel markers for improved stratification and personalized management of familial prostate cancer.
European Bioinformatics Institute