Determination of the CpG Island Methylator Phenotype (CIMP) in colorectal cancer using MethyLight

doi:10.1038/nprot.2006.152

This is a protocol preprint. Preprints are preliminary reports that have not undergone peer review. They should not be considered conclusive, used to inform clinical practice, or referenced by the media as validated information.

Method Article

Genetics

Determination of the CpG Island Methylator Phenotype (CIMP) in colorectal cancer using MethyLight

Daniel J. Weisenberger, Mihaela Campan, Tiffany I. Long, Peter W. Laird

Daniel J. Weisenberger

University of Southern California

Mihaela Campan

University of Southern California

Tiffany I. Long

University of Southern California

Peter W. Laird

University of Southern California

DOI:

10.1038/nprot.2006.152

License:

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Read Full License

MethyLight is a sensitive, quantitative, TaqMan-based, real-time PCR assay for measuring DNA methylation profiles. The MethyLight-based data is presented as a percentage relative to an M.SssI-treated methylated DNA reference sample (PMR). We have extended the applicability of MethyLight technology to assay for the presence of the CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) in human colorectal cancer. We provide here a detailed, step-by-step protocol of the MethyLight assay for detection of CIMP with high sensitivity and specificity in colorectal cancer using a five marker panel composed of CACNA1G, IGF2, NEUROG1, RUNX3 and SOCS1. Our criteria state that a sample with ≥3 of five markers posititve for methylation (PMR>10) is CIMP positive (CIMP+), while a sample with ≤2 of the five markers positive for methylation is considered CIMP negative (CIMP-).

M.SssI MODIFICATION

M.SssI is a CpG methylase that methylates cytosines in the context of the CpG dinucelotide using S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) as a methyl donor. M.SssI-treated DNA is used as a universally methylated reference sample in all MethyLight reactions.

DNA Sample:

• Male peripheral blood leukocyte DNA (75 µg; PBL-DNA) is commonly used as a substrate, however, any genomic DNA sample may be appropriate. PBL-DNA is obtained from Promega (cat# G147A). The PBL-DNA concentration varies depending on batch, so the volume of PBL-DNA used in the M.SssI reaction should be determined empirically.

• M.SssI enzyme is obtained from New England Biolabs (cat# M0226S). Use 1 unit M.SssI /µg DNA. S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) is provided with the enzyme by the manufacturer.

Reaction set-up:

Component

DNA (0.05 µg/µl final conc.)

32mM SAM: use 7.5 µl (0.16 mM final conc.)

10X NEB2 Buffer: use 150 µl (1X final conc.)

M.SssI Enzyme (4 u/µl): use 19 µl (0.05 units/µl final conc.)

water: to 1500 µl

M.SssI Reaction:

Combine reaction components and incubate at 37°C overnight.
The next day, add the following components as a boost: SAM (32mM): add 2.5µl

M.SssI enzyme (4 units/µl): add 6.0µl

Water: add 22.5µl

Incubate at 37°C overnight.

Repeated rounds of M.SssI treatment are beneficial for methylating the genomic DNA sample. After each round of M.SssI treatment, the purified DNA sample should be bisulfite-converted and tested with a methylation-specific MethyLight reaction to determine if the methylation reaches a plateau before proceeding with the CIMP-MethyLight analyses.

After bisulfite conversion, dilute the M.SssI-DNA (1:10) and use 10 µl of this sample for each PCR reaction. This should be used in duplicate for each MethyLight reaction as well as for the ALU control reaction. This M.SssI-DNA sample is also used as a template for the standard curve samples.

Bisulfite Conversion & DNA Recovery:

The bisulfite conversion and recovery of bisulfite-converted DNA steps are performed using the Zymo EZ DNA methylation kit (Zymo Research, Orange, CA) according to the manufacturer's instructions. M.SssI-modified DNA is also treated with bisulfite for use as a methylated reference in MethyLight assays. There should be a sufficient amount of sample DNA (usually >100 ng of genomic DNA) to properly analyze the presence of CIMP, since lower amounts of bisulfite-converted DNA typically give less reliable methylation information. Samples with low DNA amounts (and corresponding higher C(t) values during MethyLight real-time TaqMan PCR assays) may show zero methylation, however, this may simply be the result of an insufficient amount of DNA that is undetectable by the specific MethyLight assay.

• We typically perform a preliminary MethyLight control PCR reaction with a small amount of undiluted, bisulfite-converted sample (2µl added plus 8 µl water) using the ALU-C4 (Alu repeats) bisulfite control reaction. The C(t) value generated from this 1:5 dilution will give an indication of the approximate bisulfite-converted DNA sample amounts, and the degree to which the bisulfite-DNA sample can be diluted. Since the ALU-C4 reaction is highly sensitive and will generate low C(t) values, a sample that gives a C(t) = 22 is considered maximally diluted. However, it should be noted that lower C(t) values are always preferred to achieve the best possible data. An ALU-C4 C(t)<20 is usually desirable. For the CIMP study, we have selected five reactions. Therefore, bisulfite conversion of >100 ng DNA sample should be sufficient for the five MethyLight reactions and controls, if the C(t) values are appropriate (although more input DNA amounts will give improved C(t) values). A final volume of approximately 300 µl after dilution will allow all five CIMP and control reactions to be analyzed in duplicate and allows for pipetting or other errors.

MethyLight Primer/Probe Preparation: • The MethyLight assay utilizes the TaqMan PCR principle which requires forward and reverse primers as well as an oligomeric probe which emits fluorescence only after it is degraded by the 5’-3’ exonuclease activity of Taq polymerase.

• Each PCR reaction uses the same basic reaction set-up – the choice of primer/probe sets is the only variable in these reactions. All primer/probe sets used are diluted to the same stock concentrations to standardize the PCR reaction set-up as well as the running of the PCR program.

The primers and probes, since they are lyophilized after synthesis, need to be dissolved in sterile water. Prepare the forward and reverse primers at a concentration of 300 µM and the probe at a concentration of 100 µM. Make small aliquots of the primers at these concentrations to prevent repeated freeze/thaw events.
Dilute the primers/probe to a working stock of 6µM (primers) and 2µM (probe). This is achieved by combining the stock solutions of the forward primer, reverse primer and probe in one tube as an Oligo Mix: (4 µl of the 300 µM forward primer, 4 µl of the 300 µM reverse primer, and 4 µl of the 100 µM probe in a 600 µl total volume).
Use 4.5 µl of the Oligo Mix per 30 µL MethyLight reaction. This 4.5 µl volume represents the combined volumes from each of the two individual 6 µM primers and the 2 µM probe. • It should be noted that the probe for each methylation reaction contains a black hole quencher (BHQ-1) at the 3’ end and a 6FAM fluorophore at the 5’ terminus; the probe for the ALU control reaction contains the same 6FAM fluorophore, but contains a Minor Groove Binder Non Fluorescent Quencher (MGBNFQ) at the 3’ end of the probe.

MethyLight Reaction set-up: • The MethyLight reaction set-up is described in the accompanying protocol. In brief, two types of reactions will be used: 1) MethyLight reactions: use bisulfite converted DNA as a substrate. The forward/reverse primers and probe are specific for methylated DNA (CpG after bisulfite conversion) and are also specific for bisulfite converted DNA. 2) The bisulfite specific control reaction (ALU-C4): measures the loading of bisulfite converted DNA. These reactions are not methylation specific (no CpGs in the primer/probe sequences), but are specific for bisulfite converted DNA.

• The MethyLight reactions for the CIMP study will be limited to determining the methylation of five CIMP-specific individual loci.

• Each PCR reaction (methylation or control reaction) uses the same basic reaction set-up – the choice of primer/probe sets is the only variable in the MethyLight reactions. All primer/probe sets used are diluted to the same stock concentrations to standardize the PCR reaction set-up and the running of the PCR program.

METHYLIGHT PCR REACTION SET-UP:

Required Kits:

Applied Biosystems (ABI) TaqMan 1000 Reaction Gold With Buffer A Pack (Cat #4304441). Taq polymerase, 25mM MgCl2 and 10X Buffer are supplied with each kit.

• It should be noted that Uracil DNA glycosylase (AMPerase) should NOT be included as a component in the PCR reactions. It is not included in the ABI TaqMan kit described above, but is common in other TaqMan kits from ABI and other commercial sources. AMPerase catalyzes the removal of uracil, and this is problematic since bisulfite converted DNA is used as a DNA template and will therefore contain uracil (from unmethylated cytosines).

Required Reaction Components:

• dNTPs were obtained from Amersham (cat # 27-2035-03). A 10mM dNTP stock was prepared and stored at –20 °C in 1.2 ml aliquots.

• 10X stabilizer was prepared as described below.

PCR Reaction Set-Up:

PCR Component (Final Concentration)

4.2 µl 25mM MgCl2 (3.5 mM)

3.0 µl 10X Buffer (1X)

3.0 µl 10X stabilizer (1X)

0.6 µl 10mM dNTPs (200 µM)

4.6 µl water

1.5 µl 6µM forward primer (0.3 µM)

1.5 µl 6µM reverse primer (0.3 µM)

1.5 µl 2µM probe (0.1 µM)

0.1 µl Taq Gold Polymerase

10.0 µl DNA sample

• Since the primers and probe are the only unique components to the PCR reactions, the PCR reaction mix can be divided into three parts: 1.) the OligoMix, which contains the forward and reverse primers as well as the probe in one tube; 2) the PreMix, which contains all the reaction components except for the DNA sample, Taq polymerase and primers/probe; 3) the MasterMix, which combines the OligoMix, PreMix and Taq polymerase. The MasterMix is added to the DNA sample.

OligoMix Preparation:

• The primers and probes, since they are lyophilized after synthesis, need to be dissolved in sterile water. Prepare the forward and reverse primers at a concentration of 300 µM and the probe at a concentration of 100 µM. Make small aliquots of the primers at these concentrations to prevent repeated freeze/thaw events.

• Dilute the primers/probe to a working stock of 6µM (primers) and 2µM (probe). This is achieved by combining the stock solutions of the forward primer, reverse primer and probe in one tube (4 µl of the 300 µM forward primer, 4 µl of the 300 µM reverse primer and 4 µl of the 100 µM probe in 600 µl total volume):

Forward primer: 300 µM stock; use 4µl; 6 µM final conc.

Reverse primer: 300 µM stock; use 4µl; 6 µM final conc.

Probe: 100 µM stock; use 4µl; 2 µM final conc.

Water: add 588 µl

TOTAL VOLUME: 600 µl

•Use 4.5 µl of this OligoMix per 30 µl MethyLight reaction. As shown in the PCR MasterMix Reaction Set-Up, this 4.5 µl volume represents the combined volumes from each of the two individual 6 µM primers and the 2 µM probe. After addition to the PCR reaction mixture, the forward/reverse primers are at a concentration of 0.3µM, and the probe at 0.1 µM.

PreMix Preparation: •The PreMix contains all TaqMan reaction components except Taq polymerase and the primers/probe.

•Each TaqMan reaction kit is sufficient for 2000 MethyLight reactions:

FOR ONE REACTION:

25mM MgCl2: 4.2µl

10X Buffer: 3.0µl

10X stabilizer: 3.0µl

10mM dNTPs: 0.6µl

Water: 4.6µl

TOTAL: 15.4µl

FOR 2000 REACTIONS:

25mM MgCl2: 8.4 ml

10X Buffer: 6.0 ml

10X Stabilizer: 6.0 ml

10mM dNTPs: 1.2 ml

water: 9.2 ml

TOTAL: 30.8 ml

• Store the PreMix as 1.925 ml aliquots at +4 °C. Taq polymerase (12.5 µl) can be added to the 1.925 ml PreMix sample. This would provide pre-mix for 125 PCR reactions, and is sufficient for all the MethyLight reactions on a 96-well plate – PreMixes and MasterMixes are always prepared to accommodate for more reactions than are needed.

MasterMix Preparation: • To prepare the MasterMix, simply combine the appropriate volumes of PreMix, OligoMix and Taq polymerase:

PreMix: 15.4 µl

OligoMix: 4.5 µl (1.5 µl each)

Taq Polymerase: 0.1 µl

TOTAL: 20.0 µl

PCR Reaction: • Load 10 µl of DNA into the wells of a 96-well plate and then add 20µL of the MasterMix.

• Seal caps on the plate, mix and centrifuge at 1500 rpm for 1 minute. Then place in real-time PCR instrument.

•PCR program: 95°C for 10 min

Then 50 cycles of:

95°C for 15 sec

60°C for 1 min

TAQMAN STABILIZER PREPARATION:

10X stabilizer:

0.1% Tween-20

0.5% gelatin

Required Components:

Tween-20 (polyoxyethylenesorbitan Monolaurate): Fisher #BP-337-100

Gelatin: Sigma #G-9391

10X Stabilizer Preparation:

20% Tween-20:

2ml 100% Tween-20

8ml Nuclease free water

Measure 8ml of water in a 15ml sterile screw capped tube. Add 2ml of Tween-20 to the water and pipet the solution repeatedly until all the Tween is mixed with the water and to remove traces of Tween from the pipet. Store at +20 °C.

10X stabilizer:

0.2g Gelatin

0.2ml 20% Tween-20

Nuclease-free water to 40ml

Weigh out 0.2g gelatin and add it to 50mL conical screw capped tube. Add 20ml of water. Heat to dissolve the gelatin and after it is all melted, add 0.2ml of 20% Tween-20 and bring the final volume to 40ml with nuclease free water. Store at +20 °C.

MethyLight Plate Set-up: • To analyze the methylation of the five CIMP-specific reactions, bisulfite-DNA is required not only for the methylation reaction, but also for the ALU-C4 control reaction. We also include bisulfite converted M.SssI-treated DNA (diluted 1:10 (in duplicate)) for each methylation and control reaction. We use 10µl of DNA for each PCR reaction, and analyze the five CIMP-specific methylation reactions on 10 DNA samples per 96-well plate. For example, we need 70 µl of bisulfite-converted sample DNA for each set of 5 CIMP reactions:

50 µl for 5 methylation reactions (10 µl/reaction)

10 µl for the first ALU-C4 methylation control reaction

10 µl for the second (duplicate) ALU-C4 methylation control reaction

70 µl TOTAL/96-well plate for a set of five reactions

NOTE: Although 70 µl is the calculated amount, a larger volume should be used to compensate for pipetting errors and repeat analyses. We usually budget 100 µl Bisulfite DNA sample/set of five CIMP reactions (and the ALU control reaction in duplicate)

• Bisulfite converted M.SssI-treated DNA (approximately 160 µl) is also required (2 aliquots of 10 µl for each of the seven reactions plus >20 µl for the standard curves).

A. Standard Curve Set-up:

• Finally, a 4-point standard curve over 6 wells is included in duplicate (a total of 12 wells of a 96-well plate).

For the ALU-C4 standard curve, we use bisulfite converted M.SssI-modified DNA (diluted 1:10). From this initial stock of bisulfite converted M.SssI-modified DNA, we perform 1:25 serial dilutions. The ALU-based standard curve is set-up in duplicate. A volume of 10 µl of each dilution should be used per PCR reaction well. The 6 wells that comprise one standard curve are as follows:

ALU-C4 CONTROL REACTION SET-UP:

M.SssI-modified DNA (1:10 dilution after bisulfite conversion) 10 µl needed/plate

A 1:25 dilution of sample #1 (in duplicate); 20 µl needed/plate

A 1:25 dilution of sample #2 (in duplicate); 20 µl needed/plate

A 1:25 dilution of sample #3; 10 µl needed/plate

The actual volumes of DNA needed are double that for a single standard curve, as this is set-up in duplicate as well.

• If these plates are loaded manually (versus automated methods of plate loading), then the stocks of the dilution standards may require different volumes.

• The dilution of the bisulfite-converted M.SssI DNA sample (approximately to 800-1000 µl) is usually sufficient for four MethyLight plates (positive controls for each methylation reaction and standard curves).

B. Reaction MasterMix Set-up:

•ANALYSES PER PLATE: Ten (10) DNA samples and two M.SssI-modified DNA samples. For each DNA sample and M.SssI-modified DNA, the following reactions will be included on each 96-well plate:

The panel of five CIMP-specific methylation reactions
The ALU-C4 control reaction (in duplicate)

NOTE: Each 96-well plate for the CIMP study will contain the five CIMP methylation reactions (and the ALU control reaction in duplicate).

•For each 96-well plate, the following MasterMix volumes should be used:

Each CIMP reaction MasterMix: • Twelve (12) PCR reactions needed (10 DNAs in addition to the duplicate (2) M.SssI-modified DNA samples) for each CIMP marker.

• Prepare each MasterMix for 15 reactions:

MASTERMIX FOR EACH CIMP MARKER (ONE REACTION):

PreMix: 15.4 µl

OligoMix (primers+probe): 4.5 µl

Taq polymerase: 0.1 µl

TOTAL: 20 µl

MASTERMIX FOR EACH CIMP MARKER (15 REACTIONS):

PreMix: 231 µl

OligoMix: 67.5 µl

Taq Polymerase: 1.5 µl

TOTAL: 300 µl

ALU-C4 Control Reaction MasterMixes: •Eighteen (18) PCR reactions needed for 10 samples plas the 2 duplicate M.SssI-modified DNA samples and the 6 standard curve samples in each 96-well plate. Prepare each MasterMix for 22 reactions:

• Keep in mind that this MasterMix needs to be set-up in duplicate, as the ALU standard curve and ALU-based measurements of DNA input are also in duplicate.

ALU CONTROL MASTERMIX (ONE REACTION):

PreMix: 15.4 µl

OligoMix (primers and probe): 4.5 µl

Taq polymerase: 0.1 µl

TOTAL: 30.0 µl

ALU CONTROL MASTERMIX (22 REACTIONS):

PreMix: 338.8 µl

OligoMix (primers and probe): 99 µl

Taq Polymerase: 2.2 µl

TOTAL: 440 µl

• MasterMix (20 µl) is added to the 10 µl DNA sample.

CIMP panel MethyLight Reaction Information

CACNA1G (Calcium channel, voltage-dependent, alpha 1G subunit): chromosome 17q22; Reaction ID: H-CACNA1G-M1B; HB-158; Forward primer (5' to 3'): TTTTTTCGTTTCGCGTTTAGGT; reverse primer(5' to 3'): CTCGAAACGACTTCGCCG; probe (5' to 3'): 6FAM-AAATAACGCCGAATCCGACAACCGA-BHQ-1. MethyLight amplicon source: GenBank Number AC021491; Amplicon Location: 48345-48411.

IGF2 (Insulin-like growth factor 2 (somatomedin A)): chromosome 11p15.5; Reaction ID: H-IGF2-M2B; HB-319; Forward primer (5' to 3'): GAGCGGTTTCGGTGTCGTTA; Reverse primer (5' to 3'): CCAACTCGATTTAAACCGACG; Probe (5' to 3'): 6FAM-CCCTCTACCGTCGCGAACCCGA-BHQ-1. MethyLight amplicon source: GenBank Number AC132217; Amplicon Location: 108633-108720.

NEUROG1 (Neurogenin 1): chromosome 5q23-q31; Reaction ID: H-NEUROG1-M1B; HB-261; Forward primer (5' to 3'): CGTGTAGCGTTCGGGTATTTGTA; reverse primer (5' to 3'): CGATAATTACGAACACACTCCGAAT; probe (5' to 3'): 6FAM-CGATAACGACCTCCCGCGAACATAAA-BHQ-1’. MethyLight amplicom source: GenBank Number AC005738; Amplicon Location: 75342-75429.

RUNX3 (Runt-related transcription factor 3): chromosome 1p36; Reaction ID: H-RUNX3-M1B; HB-181; Forward primer (5' to 3'): CGTTCGATGGTGGACGTGT; reverse primer (5' to 3'): GACGAACAACGTCTTATTACAACGC; probe (5' to 3'): 6FAM-CGCACGAACTCGCCTACGTAATCCG-BHQ-1. MethyLight amplicon source:

GenBank Number AL023096; Amplicon Location: 64646-64762.

SOCS1 (Suppressor of cytokine signaling 1): chromosome 16p13.13; Reaction ID: H-SOCS1-M1B; HB-042; Forward primer (5' to 3'): GCGTCGAGTTCGTGGGTATTT; reverse primer (5' to 3'): CCGAAACCATCTTCACGCTAA; probe (5' to 3'): 6FAM-ACAATTCCGCTAACGACTATCGCGCA-BHQ-1. MethyLight amplicon source: Fiegl, H. et al Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 13,882-888 (2004); GenBank Number AC009121; Amplicon Location: 108805-108888.

ALU (Alu-based Normalization Control Reaction); Reaction ID: H-ALU-C4M; HB-313; Forward primer (5' to 3'): GGTTAGGTATAGTGGTTTATATTTGTAATTTTAGTA; reverse primer (5' to 3'): ATTAACTAAACTAATCTTAAACTCCTAACCTCA; probe (5' to 3'): 6FAM-CCTACCTTAACCTCCC-MGBNFQ. MethyLight amplicon source: Weisenberger, D.J. et al Nucleic Acids Res 33,6823-6836 (2005).

MethyLight PMR calculations: • The formula to calculate PMR values is essentially the quotient of two ratios (multiplied by 100):

([geneX mean value for the sample]/[Alu mean value for the sample]) / ([geneX mean value for the M.SssI reference]/[Alu mean value for the M.SssI reference]) * 100

• Once the real-time PCR program is finished, the C(t) values are converted to mean values/copy numbers via the standard curve for each plate. The log (fluorescence) is plotted as a function of the C(t) values of each standard, and the equation of the best fit line through the points that comprise the standard curve is generated. Then, the C(t) value of each unknown sample is converted to a “mean value” via the standard curve best fit equation. Once these adjusted values are obtained, the PMR calculations can be made:

With the first ALU-C4 control reaction selected, divide the mean/copy value for the methylation reaction of the sample of interest by the mean/copy value of the first Alu control reaction for that sample.
Then divide the mean/copy value for each M.SssI sample for each methylation reaction by the mean/copy value for the first Alu reaction for each sample and then average this quotient.
Divide the value from step #1 by the value from step #2 and multiply that value by 100. This is the PMR value.
Since we use the ALU-C4 control reaction and standard curve in duplicate, we can calculate two sets of PMR values using each control reaction and standard curve separately. After calculating the PMR values specific for the first ALU-C4 control and standard curve, simply re-assign the second ALU-C4 standard curve wells as standards, then find the values from steps #1 and #2 from above, but using the second ALU-C4 control reaction mean/copy values. The PMR values from each quantitation can then be averaged to generate a final PMR value for each sample.
We consider a PMR>10 for a given sample and locus to be positive for methylation, and we define a sample as CIMP positive (CIMP+) if it has ≥3 of the 5 CIMP markers with PMR>10. If the sample has ≤2 of the five markers with PMR>10, it is considered to be CIMP negative (CIMP-).

Eads, C.A., Danenberg, K.D., Kawakami, K. Saltz, L.B. Danenberg, P.V., Laird, P.W. CpG Island Hypermethylation in Human Colorectal Tumors is Not Associated with DNA Methyltransferase Overexpression. Cancer Res 59, 2302-2306 (1999).

Eads, C.A., Danenberg, K.D., Kawakami, K., Saltz, L.B., Blake C., Shibata, D., Danenberg, P.V, and Laird, P.W. MethyLight: a high-throughput assay to measure DNA methylation. Nucleic Acids Res 28, e32 (2000).

Eads, C.A., Lord, R.V., Wickramasinghe, K., Long, T.I., Kurumboor, S.K., Bernstein, L., Peters, J.H., DeMeester, T.R., Skinner, K.A., and Laird, P.W. Epigenetic Patterns in the Progression of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma. Cancer Res 61,3410-3418 (2001).

Siegmund, K.D. and Laird, P.W. Analysis of Complex Methylation Data. Methods 27,170-178 (2002).

Weisenberger, D.J., Campan, M., Long, T.I., Kim, M.K., Woods, C., Fiala, E., Ehrlich, M. and Laird, P.W. Analysis of repetitive elements DNA methylation by MethyLight. Nucleic Acids Res 33,6823-6836 (2005).

Daniel J. Weisenberger

commented on 17 September, 2006

PROTOCOL CORRECTIONS: In the original text of the protocol, we incorrectly described: 1) the evaluation of bisulfite-converted DNA and 2) the preparation of the Oligo Mix used to simplify the preparation of MethyLight reactions. Revisions of these sections are described below. Bisulfite Conversion & DNA Recovery: The bisulfite conversion and recovery of bisulfite-converted DNA steps are performed using the Zymo EZ DNA methylation kit (Zymo Research, Orange, CA) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. M.SssI-modified DNA is also treated with bisulfite for use as a methylated reference in MethyLight assays. 1. We typically perform a preliminary MethyLight control PCR reaction with a small amount bisulfite-converted sample using the ALU-C4 (Alu repeats) bisulfite control reaction. The bisulfite-converted DNA recovered using the Zymo protocol is in a final volume of ~10 µl. The 10 µl sample is then diluted to a 100 µl volume. [However, this dilution is not absolute and can be changed depending on the amount of starting material.] We typically use 2 µl of the 100 µl sample and evaluate the amount of bisulfite-DNA using the ALU-C4 bisulfite control reaction (specific for Alu repeats). The C(t) value generated from this 1:5 dilution (2 µl bisulfite-DNA sample + 8 µl water) will give an indication of the approximate bisulfite-converted DNA sample amounts, and the degree to which the bisulfite-DNA sample can be further diluted when performing MethyLight assays. Since the ALU-C4 reaction is highly sensitive and will generate low C(t) values, a sample that gives a C(t) = 22 is considered maximally diluted. However, it should be noted that lower C(t) values are always preferred to achieve the best possible data. An ALU-C4 C(t) value of less than 20 is usually desirable. For the CIMP analysis, we have selected five MethyLight reactions. If the C(t) values of the 1:5 test dilution are appropriate (although more input DNA amounts will give improved C(t) values), a final bisulfite-DNA volume of ≥ 300 µl after dilution will allow all five CIMP and control reactions to be analyzed in duplicate and allows for pipetting or other errors. 2. The bisulfite-converted M.SssI-DNA sample, also recovered in a 10 µl volume after recovery, should also be diluted to 100 µl and then diluted another 1:10 (to a 1 ml final volume). From this 1 ml sample, we typically remove 10 µl for use in each MethyLight reaction. MethyLight Primer/Probe Preparation: 1. The MethyLight primers and probes, since they are lyophilized after synthesis, need to be dissolved in sterile water. The forward and reverse primers are prepared at a concentration of 300 µM and the probe at a concentration of 100 µM. Small aliquots of the primers at these concentrations should be made to prevent repeated freeze/thaw events. 2. Dilute the primers/probe to a working stock of 6µM (primers) and 2µM (probe). Then use 1.5 µl of each primer and the probe in a 30 µl MethyLight reaction. This results in a final concentration of 0.3 µM primers and 0.1 µM probe in each 30 µl MethyLight reaction. 3. Alternatively, one can also prepare an Oligo Mix containing both primers and the probe. This is achieved by combining the forward primer, reverse primer and probe in one tube as an Oligo Mix: (4 µl of the 300 µM forward primer, 4 µl of the 300 µM reverse primer, and 4 µl of the 100 µM probe in a 600 µl total volume). The concentrations of the forward and reverse primers in the Oligo Mix are 2 µM and the probe concentration is 0.67 µM. The use of 4.5 µl of the Oligo Mix per 30 µL MethyLight reaction represents the combined volumes from each of the two individual primers and the probe. Oligo Mix Preparation: • Prepare the forward and reverse primers at a concentration of 300 µM and the probe at a concentration of 100 µM. • The forward primer, reverse primer and probe can be combined in one tube to prepare the Oligo Mix. This consists of 4 µl of the 300 µM forward primer, 4 µl of the 300 µM reverse primer and 4 µl of the 100 µM probe in a 600 µl total volume: Oligo Mix: Forward primer: 300 µM stock; use 4µl; 2 µM conc. in Oligo Mix. Reverse primer: 300 µM stock; use 4µl; 2 µM conc. in Oligo Mix. Probe: 100 µM stock; use 4µl; 0.67 µM conc. in Oligo Mix Water: add 588 µl TOTAL VOLUME: 600 µl •Use 4.5 µl of this Oligo Mix per 30 µl MethyLight reaction. After addition to the PCR reaction mixture, the forward/reverse primers are at a concentration of 0.3µM and the probe at 0.1 µM. PCR Reaction Set-Up: PCR Component (Final Concentration) 4.2 µl 25mM MgCl2 (3.5 mM) 3.0 µl 10X Buffer (1X) 3.0 µl 10X stabilizer (1X) 0.6 µl 10mM dNTPs (200 µM) 4.6 µl water 1.5 µl 6µM forward primer (0.3 µM)* 1.5 µl 6µM reverse primer (0.3 µM)* 1.5 µl 2µM probe (0.1 µM)* 0.1 µl Taq Gold Polymerase 10.0 µl DNA sample *Alternatively, an Oligo Mix can be prepared. The Oligo Mix contains the forward and reverse primers (both 2 µM) and the probe (0.67 µM). After using 4.5 µl Oligo Mix in a 30 µl MethyLight reaction, the final forward and reverse primer concentrations are 0.3 µM and the final probe concentration is 0.1 µM.

Daniel J. Weisenberger

commented on 17 September, 2006

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Subject Areas

Genetics

Associated Publications

CpG island methylator phenotype underlies sporadic microsatellite instability and is tightly associated with BRAF mutation in colorectal cancer
by Weisenberger, D.J. et al.
Nature Genetics (06 June, 2006)

Method Article

Genetics

Determination of the CpG Island Methylator Phenotype (CIMP) in colorectal cancer using MethyLight

Daniel J. Weisenberger, Mihaela Campan, Tiffany I. Long, Peter W. Laird

Daniel J. Weisenberger

University of Southern California

Mihaela Campan

University of Southern California

Tiffany I. Long

University of Southern California

Peter W. Laird

University of Southern California

Version History

CURRENT STATUS: Posted

Version 1

Posted 30 Jun, 2006

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Genetics

DOI:

10.1038/nprot.2006.152

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M.SssI MODIFICATION

DNA Sample:

• M.SssI enzyme is obtained from New England Biolabs (cat# M0226S). Use 1 unit M.SssI /µg DNA. S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) is provided with the enzyme by the manufacturer.

Reaction set-up:

Component

DNA (0.05 µg/µl final conc.)

32mM SAM: use 7.5 µl (0.16 mM final conc.)

10X NEB2 Buffer: use 150 µl (1X final conc.)

M.SssI Enzyme (4 u/µl): use 19 µl (0.05 units/µl final conc.)

water: to 1500 µl

M.SssI Reaction:

Combine reaction components and incubate at 37°C overnight.
The next day, add the following components as a boost: SAM (32mM): add 2.5µl

M.SssI enzyme (4 units/µl): add 6.0µl

Water: add 22.5µl

Incubate at 37°C overnight.

Bisulfite Conversion & DNA Recovery:

MethyLight Primer/Probe Preparation: • The MethyLight assay utilizes the TaqMan PCR principle which requires forward and reverse primers as well as an oligomeric probe which emits fluorescence only after it is degraded by the 5’-3’ exonuclease activity of Taq polymerase.

The primers and probes, since they are lyophilized after synthesis, need to be dissolved in sterile water. Prepare the forward and reverse primers at a concentration of 300 µM and the probe at a concentration of 100 µM. Make small aliquots of the primers at these concentrations to prevent repeated freeze/thaw events.
Dilute the primers/probe to a working stock of 6µM (primers) and 2µM (probe). This is achieved by combining the stock solutions of the forward primer, reverse primer and probe in one tube as an Oligo Mix: (4 µl of the 300 µM forward primer, 4 µl of the 300 µM reverse primer, and 4 µl of the 100 µM probe in a 600 µl total volume).
Use 4.5 µl of the Oligo Mix per 30 µL MethyLight reaction. This 4.5 µl volume represents the combined volumes from each of the two individual 6 µM primers and the 2 µM probe. • It should be noted that the probe for each methylation reaction contains a black hole quencher (BHQ-1) at the 3’ end and a 6FAM fluorophore at the 5’ terminus; the probe for the ALU control reaction contains the same 6FAM fluorophore, but contains a Minor Groove Binder Non Fluorescent Quencher (MGBNFQ) at the 3’ end of the probe.

MethyLight Reaction set-up: • The MethyLight reaction set-up is described in the accompanying protocol. In brief, two types of reactions will be used: 1) MethyLight reactions: use bisulfite converted DNA as a substrate. The forward/reverse primers and probe are specific for methylated DNA (CpG after bisulfite conversion) and are also specific for bisulfite converted DNA. 2) The bisulfite specific control reaction (ALU-C4): measures the loading of bisulfite converted DNA. These reactions are not methylation specific (no CpGs in the primer/probe sequences), but are specific for bisulfite converted DNA.

• The MethyLight reactions for the CIMP study will be limited to determining the methylation of five CIMP-specific individual loci.

METHYLIGHT PCR REACTION SET-UP:

Required Kits:

Applied Biosystems (ABI) TaqMan 1000 Reaction Gold With Buffer A Pack (Cat #4304441). Taq polymerase, 25mM MgCl2 and 10X Buffer are supplied with each kit.

Required Reaction Components:

• dNTPs were obtained from Amersham (cat # 27-2035-03). A 10mM dNTP stock was prepared and stored at –20 °C in 1.2 ml aliquots.

• 10X stabilizer was prepared as described below.

PCR Reaction Set-Up:

PCR Component (Final Concentration)

4.2 µl 25mM MgCl2 (3.5 mM)

3.0 µl 10X Buffer (1X)

3.0 µl 10X stabilizer (1X)

0.6 µl 10mM dNTPs (200 µM)

4.6 µl water

1.5 µl 6µM forward primer (0.3 µM)

1.5 µl 6µM reverse primer (0.3 µM)

1.5 µl 2µM probe (0.1 µM)

0.1 µl Taq Gold Polymerase

10.0 µl DNA sample

OligoMix Preparation:

Forward primer: 300 µM stock; use 4µl; 6 µM final conc.

Reverse primer: 300 µM stock; use 4µl; 6 µM final conc.

Probe: 100 µM stock; use 4µl; 2 µM final conc.

Water: add 588 µl

TOTAL VOLUME: 600 µl

PreMix Preparation: •The PreMix contains all TaqMan reaction components except Taq polymerase and the primers/probe.

•Each TaqMan reaction kit is sufficient for 2000 MethyLight reactions:

FOR ONE REACTION:

25mM MgCl2: 4.2µl

10X Buffer: 3.0µl

10X stabilizer: 3.0µl

10mM dNTPs: 0.6µl

Water: 4.6µl

TOTAL: 15.4µl

FOR 2000 REACTIONS:

25mM MgCl2: 8.4 ml

10X Buffer: 6.0 ml

10X Stabilizer: 6.0 ml

10mM dNTPs: 1.2 ml

water: 9.2 ml

TOTAL: 30.8 ml

MasterMix Preparation: • To prepare the MasterMix, simply combine the appropriate volumes of PreMix, OligoMix and Taq polymerase:

PreMix: 15.4 µl

OligoMix: 4.5 µl (1.5 µl each)

Taq Polymerase: 0.1 µl

TOTAL: 20.0 µl

PCR Reaction: • Load 10 µl of DNA into the wells of a 96-well plate and then add 20µL of the MasterMix.

• Seal caps on the plate, mix and centrifuge at 1500 rpm for 1 minute. Then place in real-time PCR instrument.

•PCR program: 95°C for 10 min

Then 50 cycles of:

95°C for 15 sec

60°C for 1 min

TAQMAN STABILIZER PREPARATION:

10X stabilizer:

0.1% Tween-20

0.5% gelatin

Required Components:

Tween-20 (polyoxyethylenesorbitan Monolaurate): Fisher #BP-337-100

Gelatin: Sigma #G-9391

10X Stabilizer Preparation:

20% Tween-20:

2ml 100% Tween-20

8ml Nuclease free water

10X stabilizer:

0.2g Gelatin

0.2ml 20% Tween-20

Nuclease-free water to 40ml

MethyLight Plate Set-up: • To analyze the methylation of the five CIMP-specific reactions, bisulfite-DNA is required not only for the methylation reaction, but also for the ALU-C4 control reaction. We also include bisulfite converted M.SssI-treated DNA (diluted 1:10 (in duplicate)) for each methylation and control reaction. We use 10µl of DNA for each PCR reaction, and analyze the five CIMP-specific methylation reactions on 10 DNA samples per 96-well plate. For example, we need 70 µl of bisulfite-converted sample DNA for each set of 5 CIMP reactions:

50 µl for 5 methylation reactions (10 µl/reaction)

10 µl for the first ALU-C4 methylation control reaction

10 µl for the second (duplicate) ALU-C4 methylation control reaction

70 µl TOTAL/96-well plate for a set of five reactions

• Bisulfite converted M.SssI-treated DNA (approximately 160 µl) is also required (2 aliquots of 10 µl for each of the seven reactions plus >20 µl for the standard curves).

A. Standard Curve Set-up:

• Finally, a 4-point standard curve over 6 wells is included in duplicate (a total of 12 wells of a 96-well plate).

For the ALU-C4 standard curve, we use bisulfite converted M.SssI-modified DNA (diluted 1:10). From this initial stock of bisulfite converted M.SssI-modified DNA, we perform 1:25 serial dilutions. The ALU-based standard curve is set-up in duplicate. A volume of 10 µl of each dilution should be used per PCR reaction well. The 6 wells that comprise one standard curve are as follows:

ALU-C4 CONTROL REACTION SET-UP:

M.SssI-modified DNA (1:10 dilution after bisulfite conversion) 10 µl needed/plate

A 1:25 dilution of sample #1 (in duplicate); 20 µl needed/plate

A 1:25 dilution of sample #2 (in duplicate); 20 µl needed/plate

A 1:25 dilution of sample #3; 10 µl needed/plate

The actual volumes of DNA needed are double that for a single standard curve, as this is set-up in duplicate as well.

• If these plates are loaded manually (versus automated methods of plate loading), then the stocks of the dilution standards may require different volumes.

B. Reaction MasterMix Set-up:

•ANALYSES PER PLATE: Ten (10) DNA samples and two M.SssI-modified DNA samples. For each DNA sample and M.SssI-modified DNA, the following reactions will be included on each 96-well plate:

The panel of five CIMP-specific methylation reactions
The ALU-C4 control reaction (in duplicate)

NOTE: Each 96-well plate for the CIMP study will contain the five CIMP methylation reactions (and the ALU control reaction in duplicate).

•For each 96-well plate, the following MasterMix volumes should be used:

Each CIMP reaction MasterMix: • Twelve (12) PCR reactions needed (10 DNAs in addition to the duplicate (2) M.SssI-modified DNA samples) for each CIMP marker.

• Prepare each MasterMix for 15 reactions:

MASTERMIX FOR EACH CIMP MARKER (ONE REACTION):

PreMix: 15.4 µl

OligoMix (primers+probe): 4.5 µl

Taq polymerase: 0.1 µl

TOTAL: 20 µl

MASTERMIX FOR EACH CIMP MARKER (15 REACTIONS):

PreMix: 231 µl

OligoMix: 67.5 µl

Taq Polymerase: 1.5 µl

TOTAL: 300 µl

ALU-C4 Control Reaction MasterMixes: •Eighteen (18) PCR reactions needed for 10 samples plas the 2 duplicate M.SssI-modified DNA samples and the 6 standard curve samples in each 96-well plate. Prepare each MasterMix for 22 reactions:

• Keep in mind that this MasterMix needs to be set-up in duplicate, as the ALU standard curve and ALU-based measurements of DNA input are also in duplicate.

ALU CONTROL MASTERMIX (ONE REACTION):

PreMix: 15.4 µl

OligoMix (primers and probe): 4.5 µl

Taq polymerase: 0.1 µl

TOTAL: 30.0 µl

ALU CONTROL MASTERMIX (22 REACTIONS):

PreMix: 338.8 µl

OligoMix (primers and probe): 99 µl

Taq Polymerase: 2.2 µl

TOTAL: 440 µl

• MasterMix (20 µl) is added to the 10 µl DNA sample.

CIMP panel MethyLight Reaction Information

GenBank Number AL023096; Amplicon Location: 64646-64762.

MethyLight PMR calculations: • The formula to calculate PMR values is essentially the quotient of two ratios (multiplied by 100):

([geneX mean value for the sample]/[Alu mean value for the sample]) / ([geneX mean value for the M.SssI reference]/[Alu mean value for the M.SssI reference]) * 100

With the first ALU-C4 control reaction selected, divide the mean/copy value for the methylation reaction of the sample of interest by the mean/copy value of the first Alu control reaction for that sample.
Then divide the mean/copy value for each M.SssI sample for each methylation reaction by the mean/copy value for the first Alu reaction for each sample and then average this quotient.
Divide the value from step #1 by the value from step #2 and multiply that value by 100. This is the PMR value.
Since we use the ALU-C4 control reaction and standard curve in duplicate, we can calculate two sets of PMR values using each control reaction and standard curve separately. After calculating the PMR values specific for the first ALU-C4 control and standard curve, simply re-assign the second ALU-C4 standard curve wells as standards, then find the values from steps #1 and #2 from above, but using the second ALU-C4 control reaction mean/copy values. The PMR values from each quantitation can then be averaged to generate a final PMR value for each sample.
We consider a PMR>10 for a given sample and locus to be positive for methylation, and we define a sample as CIMP positive (CIMP+) if it has ≥3 of the 5 CIMP markers with PMR>10. If the sample has ≤2 of the five markers with PMR>10, it is considered to be CIMP negative (CIMP-).

Siegmund, K.D. and Laird, P.W. Analysis of Complex Methylation Data. Methods 27,170-178 (2002).

Daniel J. Weisenberger

commented on 17 September, 2006

Daniel J. Weisenberger

commented on 17 September, 2006

Associated Publications

CpG island methylator phenotype underlies sporadic microsatellite instability and is tightly associated with BRAF mutation in colorectal cancer
by Weisenberger, D.J. et al.
Nature Genetics (06 June, 2006)

This is a protocol preprint. Preprints are preliminary reports that have not undergone peer review. They should not be considered conclusive, used to inform clinical practice, or referenced by the media as validated information.

Method Article

Genetics

Determination of the CpG Island Methylator Phenotype (CIMP) in colorectal cancer using MethyLight

Daniel J. Weisenberger, Mihaela Campan, Tiffany I. Long, Peter W. Laird

Daniel J. Weisenberger

University of Southern California

Mihaela Campan

University of Southern California

Tiffany I. Long

University of Southern California

Peter W. Laird

University of Southern California

DOI:

License:

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Read Full License

Introduction

Procedure

References

Comments (2)

Daniel J. Weisenberger

commented on 17 September, 2006

Daniel J. Weisenberger

commented on 17 September, 2006

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Subject Areas

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Associated Publications

CpG island methylator phenotype underlies sporadic microsatellite instability and is tightly associated with BRAF mutation in colorectal cancer

by Weisenberger, D.J. et al.

Nature Genetics (06 June, 2006)

Method Article

Genetics

Determination of the CpG Island Methylator Phenotype (CIMP) in colorectal cancer using MethyLight

Daniel J. Weisenberger, Mihaela Campan, Tiffany I. Long, Peter W. Laird

Daniel J. Weisenberger

University of Southern California

Mihaela Campan

University of Southern California

Tiffany I. Long

University of Southern California

Peter W. Laird

University of Southern California

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Read Full License

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Introduction

Procedure

References

Comments (2)

Daniel J. Weisenberger

commented on 17 September, 2006

Daniel J. Weisenberger

commented on 17 September, 2006

Related Articles

Associated Publications

CpG island methylator phenotype underlies sporadic microsatellite instability and is tightly associated with BRAF mutation in colorectal cancer

by Weisenberger, D.J. et al.

Nature Genetics (06 June, 2006)

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