Mayo Clinic Laboratory and Pathology Research Roundup: June 18

The Research Roundup provides an overview of the past week’s research from Mayo Medical Laboratories consultants, including featured abstracts and complete list of published studies and reviews.


Featured Abstract

Highly Discriminant Methylated DNA Markers for the Non-Endoscopic Detection of Barrett's Esophagus

Image for November 2017 Hot TopicMinimally invasive methods have been described to detect Barrett's esophagus (BE), but are limited by subjectivity and suboptimal accuracy. Mayo Clinic researchers identified methylated DNA markers (MDMs) for BE in tissue and assessed their accuracy on whole esophagus brushings and capsule sponge samples. Unbiased whole methylome sequencing was performed on DNA from BE and normal squamous esophagus (SE) tissue.

Discriminant MDM candidates were validated on an independent patient cohort by quantitative methylation specific PCR (qMSP). Selected MDMs were further evaluated on whole esophageal brushings. 35 previously sequenced esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) MDMs were also evaluated. 20 BE cases and 20 controls were randomized to swallow capsules sponges followed endoscopy. DNA yield, tolerability, and mucosal injury were compared. Best MDM assays were performed on this cohort. Researchers identified MDMs discriminate BE with high accuracy. BE detection appears safe and feasible with a capsule sponge. Corroboration in larger studies is warranted. The study was published in American Journal of Gastroenterology.


Published to PubMed This Week

Kelley Luedke

Kelley Luedke is a Marketing Channel Manager at Mayo Clinic Laboratories. She is the principle editor and writer of Insights and leads social media and direct marketing strategy. Kelley has worked at Mayo Clinic since 2013. Outside of work, you can find Kelley running, traveling, playing with her kitty, and exploring new foods.