Stage IV perihilar cholangiocarcinoma with loss of expression of MSH2 and MSH6: hereditary cancer syndrome?

We present the case of a 69-year-old male diagnosed with stage IV perihilar cholangiocarcinoma with loss of expression of MSH2 and MSH6 proteins, but somatic wild type MSH2 and MSH6 genes with Oncomine Comprehensive Assay (OCA) genomic sequencing panel. In his cancer family history, there was a maternal aunt with sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma also missing MSH2 and MSH6 protein expression. Subsequently, we will discuss whether or not we are facing a hereditary cancer syndrome.

SpadaHC: a database to improve the classification of variants in hereditary cancer genes in the Spanish population.

Accurate classification of genetic variants is crucial for clinical decision-making in hereditary cancer. In Spain, genetic diagnostic laboratories have traditionally approached this task independently due to the lack of a dedicated resource. Here we present SpadaHC, a web-based database for sharing variants in hereditary cancer genes in the Spanish population. SpadaHC is implemented using a three-tier architecture consisting of a relational database, a web tool and a bioinformatics pipeline. Contributing laboratories can share variant classifications and variants from individuals in Variant Calling Format (VCF) format. The platform supports open and restricted access, flexible dataset submissions, automatic pseudo-anonymization, VCF quality control, variant normalization and liftover between genome builds. Users can flexibly explore and search data, receive automatic discrepancy notifications and access SpadaHC population frequencies based on many criteria. In February 2024, SpadaHC included 18 laboratory members, storing 1.17 million variants from 4306 patients and 16 343 laboratory classifications. In the first analysis of the shared data, we identified 84 genetic variants with clinically relevant discrepancies in their classifications and addressed them through a three-phase resolution strategy. This work highlights the importance of data sharing to promote consistency in variant classifications among laboratories, so patients and family members can benefit from more accurate clinical management. Database URL: https://spadahc.ciberisciii.es/.

Epigenetic inactivation of the extracellular matrix metallopeptidase ADAMTS19 gene and the metastatic spread in colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: ADAMTS19 encodes a member of the ADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain with thrombospondin motifs) protein family with emerging roles in carcinogenesis and metastasis. ADAMTS shares several distinct protein modules including a propeptide region, a metalloproteinase domain, a disintegrin-like domain, and a thrombospondin type 1 (TS) motif. In a previous work, we found ADAMTS19 frequently hypermethylated in colorectal cancer (CRC). We explored the association of methylation with tumor genotype and phenotype. RESULTS: The methylation status of the CpG island in the promoter of ADAMTS19 was determined in 252 colorectal, 65 pancreatic, 33 breast and 169 ovarian primary tumors, 70 CRC metastases, and 10 CRC cell lines. Tumor-specific methylation of ADAMTS19 was significantly more frequent in gastrointestinal than in gynecological cancers (odds ratio (OR) = 2.9, confidence interval (CI) = (1.9-4.7), p = 5.2 × 10(-7)) and was independent of the methylation of adjacent loci in CRC. Hypermethylation associated with CRC with mutated BRAF oncogene (OR = 10.1, CI = (3.1-42.9), p = 6.3 × 10(-6)) and with the mucinous phenotype in CRC (OR = 2.1, CI = (1.1-4.1), p = 0.023) and ovarian cancer (OR = 60, CI = (16-346), p = 4 × 10(-16)). Methylation was significantly more frequent in CRC metastases homing to the ovary and omentum than in those homing to the liver and lung (OR = 6.1, CI = (1.8-22.2), p = 0.001). Differentiating local from distant metastatic spread, methylation negatively associated with tumor progression (p = 0.031) but positively with depth of invasion (p = 0.030). Hypermethylation associated with transcriptional repression in CRC cell lines, and treatment with 5'-AZA-2'-deoxycytidine led to reactivation of mRNA expression. shRNA-mediated silencing of ADAMTS19 had no effect on the in vitro proliferation rate of CRC cells but significantly diminished their collective migration speed (56 %, p = 3.3 × 10(-4)) and potential to migrate in collagen I (64 %, p = 4.3 × 10(-10)). CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight the frequent involvement of ADAMTS19 epigenetic silencing in CRC and mucinous ovarian cancer. The mechanistic preferences for the target organ of metastatic spread may lead to the development of diagnostic CRC biomarkers. The association with the mucinous phenotype also may have diagnostic applications for ovarian cancer.

[Molecular study of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in 153 breast cancer families from Castilla and León (Spain): new nine unclassified variants identified]. / Estudio molecular de los genes BRCA1 y BRCA2 en 153 familias con cáncer de mama de Castilla y León (España): identificación de nueve variantes de efecto desconocido no descritas.

BACKGROUND: It is estimated that 5-10% of breast cancers have an hereditary origin, germline mutations of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes causing a predisposition. In the present study we analyzed BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in moderate to high risk breast cancer patients in order to find out the types and frequency of these mutations in the Spanish regional community of Castilla y León. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We studied 207 moderate to high risk patients from 153 selected families. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and analyzed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction-heteroduplexes-conformation sensitive gel electrophoresis (multiplex PCR-HA-CSGE). All variants detected were sequenced to further verify the mutation. RESULTS: 45 alterations (23 in BRCA1 and 22 in BRCA2) were identified in 74 families (48.4%), corresponding to 13 polymorphisms (29 families), 19 unclassified variants (26 families) of which 9 have not been previously described and 13 cancer-prone mutations (19 families; 12.42% of all families). Eight out of the 19 deleterious mutations (42.1%) were detected in the BRCA1 gene and 11 (57.9%) in the BRCA2 gene. The most prevalent mutation was 3036delACAA, which was detected in four unrelated families. CONCLUSIONS: The high proportion of mutations, polymorphisms and unclassified variants we have detected may be the result of the sensitive procedure and the risk selection criteria used in this study. There is a high proportion of unclassified variants. Their role in the disease must be clarified through more studies, including their typing in control samples.

Stage IV perihilar cholangiocarcinoma with loss of expression of MSH2 and MSH6: hereditary cancer syndrome?

We present the case of a 69-year-old male diagnosed with stage IV perihilar cholangiocarcinoma with loss of expression of MSH2 and MSH6 proteins, but somatic wild type MSH2 and MSH6 genes with Oncomine Comprehensive Assay (OCA) genomic sequencing panel. In his cancer family history, there was a maternal aunt with sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma also missing MSH2 and MSH6 protein expression. Subsequently, we will discuss whether or not we are facing a hereditary cancer syndrome. (AU)

Frequency of rearrangements in Lynch syndrome cases associated with MSH2: characterization of a new deletion involving both EPCAM and the 5' part of MSH2.

Lynch syndrome is caused by germline mutations in MSH2, MLH1, MSH6, and PMS2 mismatch repair genes and leads to a high risk of colorectal and endometrial cancer. It was recently shown that constitutional 3' end deletions of EPCAM could cause Lynch syndrome in tissues with MSH2 deficiency. We aim to establish the spectrum of mutations in MSH2-associated Lynch syndrome cases and their clinical implications. Probands from 159 families suspected of having Lynch syndrome were enrolled in the study. Immunohistochemistry and microsatellite instability (MSI) analyses were used on the probands of all families. Eighteen cases with MSH2 loss were identified: eight had point mutations in MSH2. In 10 Lynch syndrome families without MSH2 mutations, EPCAM-MSH2genomic rearrangement screening was carried out with the use of multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification and reverse transcriptase PCR. We report that large germline deletions, encompassing one or more exons of the MSH2 gene, cosegregate with the Lynch syndrome phenotype in 23% (8 of 35) of MSI families tested. A new combined deletion EPCAM-MSH2 was identified and characterized by break point analysis, encompassing from the 3' end region of EPCAM to the 5' initial sequences of the MSH2 (c.859-1860_MSH2:646-254del). EPCAM-MSH2 fusion transcript was isolated. The tumors of the carriers show high-level MSI and MSH2 protein loss. The clinical correlation provided evidence that the type of mutation and the extension of the deletions involving the MSH2 gene could have different implications in cancer predisposition. Thus, the identification of EPCAM-MSH2 rearrangements and their comprehensive characterization should be included in the routine mutation screening protocols for Lynch syndrome.

Characterization of new founder Alu-mediated rearrangements in MSH2 gene associated with a Lynch syndrome phenotype.

It has been reported that large genomic deletions in the MLH1 and MSH2 genes are a frequent cause of Lynch syndrome in certain populations. Here, a cohort has been screened and two new founder rearrangements have been found in the MSH2 gene. These mutations have been characterized by break point determination, haplotype analysis, and genotype-phenotype correlation. Mutations have been identified in the MLH1, MSH2, and MSH6 genes in 303 subjects from 160 suspected Lynch syndrome unrelated families. All subjects were tested using heteroduplex analysis by capillary array electrophoresis. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification was used to detect rearrangements in mutation-negative index patients and confirmed by reverse transcriptase PCR. The break point of the deletions was further characterized by the array comparative genomic hybridization method. Immunohistochemical staining and microsatellite instability were studied in tumor samples. Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer-related phenotypes were evaluated. More than 16% (24 of 160) of the families had pathogenic mutations (8 MLH1, 15 MSH2, and 1 MSH6). Twelve of these families (50%) are carriers of a novel mutation. Seven of the 15 positive MSH2 families (47%) are carriers of a rearrangement. The exon 7 deletion and exon 4 to 8 deletion of MSH2 are new founder mutations. The segregation of a common haplotype, a similar phenotype, and anticipation effects were observed in these families. These findings will greatly simplify the diagnosis, counseling, and clinical care in suspected Lynch syndrome families and not just in specific geographic areas, so wide distribution may be explained by migration patterns.

Estudio molecular de los genes BRCA1 y BRCA2 en 153 familias con cáncer de mama de Castilla y León (España): identificación de nueve variantes de efecto desconocido no descritas / Molecular study of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in 153 breast cancer families from Castilla y León (Spain): new nine unclassified variants identified

FUNDAMENTO: El cáncer de mama hereditario representa un 5-10 por ciento de todos los cánceres de mama. En la actualidad dos genes están asociados a la enfermedad, el BRCA1 y el BRCA2. Se sabe que mutaciones en estos genes aumentan el riesgo de padecer cáncer de mama hasta en un 80 por ciento en las portadoras. El objetivo de este estudio es la detección y caracterización de mutaciones en estos genes, en pacientes con cáncer de mama seleccionadas según criterios de moderado-alto riesgo pertenecientes a la Comunidad Autónoma de Castilla y León. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Se analizaron 207 muestras seleccionadas pertenecientes a 153 familias. Se realizó extracción de ADN de sangre periférica y para la detección de mutaciones se emplearon técnicas de PCR múltiplex-heterodúplex-CSGE y secuenciación. RESULTADOS: Se detectaron 45 cambios nucleotídicos distintos (23 en BRCA1 y 22 en BRCA2) en 74 familias (48,4 por ciento del total), que corresponden a 13 polimorfismos (29 familias), 19 variantes de efecto desconocido (26 familias), de las que 9 son descritas por primera vez en este trabajo, y 13 patológicas (19 familias; 12,42 por ciento de las familias). De las mutaciones patológicas, 8 (42,1 por ciento) afectan a BRCA1 y 11 (57,9 por ciento) a BRCA2. La mutación más frecuente es la 3036delACAA de BRCA2, presente en 4 familias no relacionadas. CONCLUSIONES: El alto porcentaje de mutaciones, polimorfismos y variantes de efecto desconocido detectado revela la alta resolución del método de análisis mutacional utilizado, así como la validez de los criterios de selección aplicados. Existe un gran número de variantes de significado desconocido cuyo papel en la enfermedad debe ser clarificado mediante diferentes tipos de estudios, entre los que se incluye su tipificación en poblaciones control. (AU)