Pannexin-1 expression in tumor cells correlates with colon cancer progression and survival.

AIMS: Pannexin-1 (PANX1) is a hemichannel that releases ATP upon opening, initiating inflammation, cell proliferation, and migration. However, the role of PANX1 channels in colon cancer remains poorly understood, thus constituting the focus of this study. MAIN METHODS: PANX1 mRNA expression was analyzed using multiple cancer databases. PANX1 protein expression and distribution were evaluated by immunohistochemistry on primary tumor tissue and non-tumor colonic mucosa from colon cancer patients. PANX1 inhibitors (probenecid or 10Panx) were used to assess colon cancer cell lines viability. To study the role of PANX1 in vivo, a subcutaneous xenograft model using HCT116 cells was performed in BALB/c NOD/SCID immunodeficient mice to evaluate tumor growth under PANX1 inhibition using probenecid. KEY FINDINGS: PANX1 mRNA was upregulated in colon cancer tissue compared to non-tumor colonic mucosa. Elevated PANX1 mRNA expression in tumors correlated with worse disease-free survival. PANX1 protein abundance was increased on tumor cells compared to epithelial cells in paired samples, in a cancer stage-dependent manner. In vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that blocking PANX1 reduced cell viability and tumor growth. SIGNIFICANCE: PANX1 can be used as a biomarker of colon cancer progression and blocking PANX1 channel opening could be used as a potential therapeutic strategy against this disease.

A comprehensive characterization of the spectrum of MUTYH germline pathogenic variants in Latin America.

MUTYH-Associated Polyposis (MAP) is caused by biallelic pathogenic germline variants in the MUTYH gene. However, individuals harboring monoallelic MUTYH pathogenic variants in the presence of a positive family history have been reported to have a twofold increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) and extra colonic cancers. Our aim was to characterize the spectrum of monoallelic and biallelic germline MUTYH pathogenic variants in Latin American patients and to describe their clinical and genetic characteristics. Patients were identified from eight high-risk genetic cancer centers of five Latin American countries. Statistical analysis was performed using the two-sided P test using the Vassarstats statistical tools. Statistical significance was set at a p value ≤ 0.05. Of the 105 unrelated patients with cancer or colorectal polyposis, 84.8% and 15.2% carried pathogenic monoallelic and biallelic MUTYH variants, respectively. The most common pathogenic variants were p.Gly396Asp and p.Tyr179Cys (55% and 23%, respectively). The mean age at first diagnosis was 48.29 years (range 31-71) and 49.90 years (range 27-87) in biallelic and monoallelic MUTYH patients, respectively. CRC was the only cancer diagnosed in patients with biallelic MUTYH pathogenic variants (75%), while breast cancer (46.1%) was more common than CRC (24.7%) in individuals with monoallelic MUTYH pathogenic variants. We reported a high frequency of European founder variants in our diverse population. Some phenotypic differences from current studies were identified, such as a higher breast cancer burden in monoallelic carriers and a complete absence of extra-colon tumors in biallelic patients.

Mono- and biallelic germline variants of DNA glycosylase genes in colon adenomatous polyposis families from two continents.

Recently, biallelic germline variants of the DNA glycosylase genes MUTYH and NTHL1 were linked to polyposis susceptibility. Significant fractions remain without a molecular explanation, warranting searches for underlying causes. We used exome sequencing to investigate clinically well-defined adenomatous polyposis cases and families from Finland (N=34), Chile (N=21), and Argentina (N=12), all with known susceptibility genes excluded. Nine index cases (13%) revealed germline variants with proven or possible pathogenicity in the DNA glycosylase genes, involving NEIL1 (mono- or biallelic) in 3 cases, MUTYH (monoallelic) in 3 cases, NTHL1 (biallelic) in 1 case, and OGG1 (monoallelic) in 2 cases. NTHL1 was affected with the well-established, pathogenic c.268C>T, p.(Gln90Ter) variant. A recurrent heterozygous NEIL1 c.506G>A, p.(Gly169Asp) variant was observed in two families. In a Finnish family, the variant occurred in trans with a truncating NEIL1 variant (c.821delT). In an Argentine family, the variant co-occurred with a genomic deletion of exons 2 - 11 of PMS2. Mutational signatures in tumor tissues complied with biological functions reported for NEIL1. Our results suggest that germline variants in DNA glycosylase genes may occur in a non-negligible proportion of unexplained colon polyposis cases and may predispose to tumor development.

No Difference in Penetrance between Truncating and Missense/Aberrant Splicing Pathogenic Variants in MLH1 and MSH2: A Prospective Lynch Syndrome Database Study.

BACKGROUND: Lynch syndrome is the most common genetic predisposition for hereditary cancer. Carriers of pathogenic changes in mismatch repair (MMR) genes have an increased risk of developing colorectal (CRC), endometrial, ovarian, urinary tract, prostate, and other cancers, depending on which gene is malfunctioning. In Lynch syndrome, differences in cancer incidence (penetrance) according to the gene involved have led to the stratification of cancer surveillance. By contrast, any differences in penetrance determined by the type of pathogenic variant remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: To determine cumulative incidences of cancer in carriers of truncating and missense or aberrant splicing pathogenic variants of the MLH1 and MSH2 genes. METHODS: Carriers of pathogenic variants of MLH1 (path_MLH1) and MSH2 (path_MSH2) genes filed in the Prospective Lynch Syndrome Database (PLSD) were categorized as truncating or missense/aberrant splicing according to the InSiGHT criteria for pathogenicity. RESULTS: Among 5199 carriers, 1045 had missense or aberrant splicing variants, and 3930 had truncating variants. Prospective observation years for the two groups were 8205 and 34,141 years, respectively, after which there were no significant differences in incidences for cancer overall or for colorectal cancer or endometrial cancers separately. CONCLUSION: Truncating and missense or aberrant splicing pathogenic variants were associated with similar average cumulative incidences of cancer in carriers of path MLH1 and path_MSH2.

LBSL: Case Series and DARS2 Variant Analysis in Early Severe Forms With Unexpected Presentations.

OBJECTIVE: Leukoencephalopathy with brainstem and spinal cord involvement and lactate elevation (LBSL) is regarded a relatively mild leukodystrophy, diagnosed by characteristic long tract abnormalities on MRI and biallelic variants in DARS2, encoding mitochondrial aspartyl-tRNA synthetase (mtAspRS). DARS2 variants in LBSL are almost invariably compound heterozygous; in 95% of cases, 1 is a leaky splice site variant in intron 2. A few severely affected patients, still fulfilling the MRI criteria, have been described. We noticed highly unusual MRI presentations in 15 cases diagnosed by WES. We examined these cases to determine whether they represent consistent novel LBSL phenotypes. METHODS: We reviewed clinical features, MRI abnormalities, and gene variants and investigated the variants' impact on mtAspRS structure and mitochondrial function. RESULTS: We found 2 MRI phenotypes: early severe cerebral hypoplasia/atrophy (9 patients, group 1) and white matter abnormalities without long tract involvement (6 patients, group 2). With antenatal onset, microcephaly, and arrested development, group 1 patients were most severely affected. DARS2 variants were severer than for classic LBSL and severer for group 1 than group 2. All missense variants hit mtAspRS regions involved in tRNAAsp binding, aspartyl-adenosine-5'-monophosphate binding, and/or homodimerization. Missense variants expressed in the yeast DARS2 ortholog showed severely affected mitochondrial function. CONCLUSIONS: DARS2 variants are associated with highly heterogeneous phenotypes. New MRI presentations are profound cerebral hypoplasia/atrophy and white matter abnormalities without long tract involvement. Our findings have implications for diagnosis and understanding disease mechanisms, pointing at dominant neuronal/axonal involvement in severe cases. In line with this conclusion, activation of biallelic DARS2 null alleles in conditional transgenic mice leads to massive neuronal apoptosis.

Clinical, Pathological and Molecular Characteristics of Chilean Patients with Early-, Intermediate- and Late-Onset Colorectal Cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most frequent neoplasm in Chile and its mortality rate is rising in all ages. However, studies characterizing CRC according to the age of onset are still lacking. This study aimed to identify clinical, pathological, and molecular features of CRC in Chilean patients according to the age of diagnosis: early- (≤50 years; EOCRC), intermediate- (51-69 years; IOCRC), and late-onset (≥70 years; LOCRC). The study included 426 CRC patients from Clinica Las Condes, between 2007 and 2019. A chi-square test was applied to explore associations between age of onset and clinicopathological characteristics. Body Mass Index (BMI) differences according to age of diagnosis was evaluated through t-test. Overall (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. We found significant differences between the age of onset, and gender, BMI, family history of cancer, TNM Classification of Malignant Tumors stage, OS, and CSS. EOCRC category was characterized by a family history of cancer, left-sided tumors with a more advanced stage of the disease but better survival at 10 years, and lower microsatellite instability (MSI), with predominant germline mutations. IOCRC has shown clinical similarities with the EOCRC and molecular similarities to the LOCRC, which agrees with other reports.

Immune System, Microbiota, and Microbial Metabolites: The Unresolved Triad in Colorectal Cancer Microenvironment.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. As with other cancers, CRC is a multifactorial disease due to the combined effect of genetic and environmental factors. Most cases are sporadic, but a small proportion is hereditary, estimated at around 5-10%. In both, the tumor interacts with heterogeneous cell populations, such as endothelial, stromal, and immune cells, secreting different signals (cytokines, chemokines or growth factors) to generate a favorable tumor microenvironment for cancer cell invasion and metastasis. There is ample evidence that inflammatory processes have a role in carcinogenesis and tumor progression in CCR. Different profiles of cell activation of the tumor microenvironment can promote pro or anti-tumor pathways; hence they are studied as a key target for the control of cancer progression. Additionally, the intestinal mucosa is in close contact with a microorganism community, including bacteria, bacteriophages, viruses, archaea, and fungi composing the gut microbiota. Aberrant composition of this microbiota, together with alteration in the diet-derived microbial metabolites content (such as butyrate and polyamines) and environmental compounds has been related to CRC. Some bacteria, such as pks+ Escherichia coli or Fusobacterium nucleatum, are involved in colorectal carcinogenesis through different pathomechanisms including the induction of genetic mutations in epithelial cells and modulation of tumor microenvironment. Epithelial and immune cells from intestinal mucosa have Pattern-recognition receptors and G-protein coupled receptors (receptor of butyrate), suggesting that their activation can be regulated by intestinal microbiota and metabolites. In this review, we discuss how dynamics in the gut microbiota, their metabolites, and tumor microenvironment interplays in sporadic and hereditary CRC, modulating tumor progression.

Spectrum and Frequency of Tumors, Cancer Risk and Survival in Chilean Families with Lynch Syndrome: Experience of the Implementation of a Registry.

Lynch syndrome (LS) is associated with the highest risk of colorectal (CRC) and several extracolonic cancers. In our effort to characterize LS families from Latin America, this study aimed to describe the spectrum of neoplasms and cancer risk by gender, age and gene, and survival in 34 Chilean LS families. Of them, 59% harbored path_MLH1, 23% path_MSH2, 12% path_PMS2 and 6% path_EPCAM variants. A total of 866 individuals at risk were identified, of which 213 (24.6%) developed 308 neoplasms. In males, CRC was the most common cancer (72.6%), while females showed a greater frequency of extracolonic cancers (58.4%), including uterus and breast (p < 0.0001). The cumulative incidence of extracolonic cancers was higher in females than males (p = 0.001). Path_MLH1 variants are significantly more associated with the development of CRC than extracolonic tumors (59.5% vs. 40.5%) when compared to path_MSH2 (47.5% vs. 52.5%) variants (p = 0.05018). The cumulative incidence of CRC was higher in path_MLH1/path_MSH2 carriers compared to path_PMS2 carriers (p = 0.03). In addition, path_MSH2 carriers showed higher risk of extracolonic tumors (p = 0.002). In conclusion, this study provides a snapshot of the LS profile from Chile and the current LS-associated diagnostic practice and output in Chile. Categorizing cancer risks associated with each population is relevant in the genetic counselling of LS patients.

MLH1 intronic variants mapping to + 5 position of splice donor sites lead to deleterious effects on RNA splicing.

Germline pathogenic variants in the DNA mismatch repair genes (MMR): MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2, are causative of Lynch syndrome (LS). However, many of the variants mapping outside the invariant splice site positions (IVS ± 1, IVS ± 2) are classified as variants of unknown significance (VUS). Three such variants (MLH1 c.588+5G>C, c.588+5G>T and c.677+5G>A) were identified in 8 unrelated LS families from Argentina, Brazil and Chile. Herein, we collected clinical information on these families and performed segregation analysis and RNA splicing studies to assess the implication of these VUS in LS etiology. Pedigrees showed a clear pattern of variant co-segregation with colorectal cancer and/or other LS-associated malignancies. Tumors presented deficient expression of MLH1-PMS2 proteins in 7/7 of the LS families, and MSI-high status in 3/3 cases. Moreover, RNA analyses revealed that c.588+5G>C and c.588+5G>T induce skipping of exon 7 whereas c.677+5G>A causes skipping of exon 8. In sum, we report that the combined clinical findings in the families and the molecular studies provided the evidences needed to demonstrate that the three MLH1 variants are causative of LS and to classify c.588+5G>C and c.677+5G>A as class 5 (pathogenic), and c.588+5G>T as class 4 (likely-pathogenic). Our findings underline the importance of performing clinical and family analyses, as well as RNA splicing assays in order to determine the clinical significance of intronic variants, and contribute to the genetic counseling and clinical management of patients and their relatives.

Observations from a nationwide vigilance program in medical care for spinal muscular atrophy patients in Chile.

METHODS: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has gained much attention in the last few years because of the approval of the first intrathecal treatment for this neurodegenerative disease. Latin America needs to develop the demographics of SMA, timely access to diagnosis, and appropriate following of the standards of care recommendations for patients. These are essential steps to guide health policies. This was a descriptive study of a cohort of SMA patients from all over Chile. We analyzed the clinical, motor functional, and social data, as well as the care status of nutritional, respiratory and skeletal conditions. We also measured the SMN2 copy number in this population. RESULTS: We recruited 92 patients: 50 male; 23 SMA type-1, 36 SMA type-2 and 33 SMA type-3. The median age at genetic diagnosis was 5, 24 and 132 months. We evaluated the SMN2 copy number in 57 patients. The SMA type-1 patients were tracheostomized and fed by gastrostomy in a 69.6 % of cases, 65% of SMA type-2 patients received nocturnal noninvasive ventilation, and 37% of the whole cohort underwent scoliosis surgery. CONCLUSION: Ventilatory care for SMA type-1 is still based mainly on tracheostomy. This Chilean cohort of SMA patients had timely access to genetic diagnosis, ventilatory assistance, nutritional support, and scoliosis surgery. In this series, SMA type-1 is underrepresented, probably due to restrictions in access to early diagnosis and the high and early mortality rate.

A snapshot of current genetic testing practice in Lynch syndrome: The results of a representative survey of 33 Latin American existing centres/registries.

We aimed to assess the current genetics practice to manage patients with Lynch syndrome (LS) across Latin America. A Latin American LS survey was sent out to 52 centres/registries, comprising a total of 12 countries from the region. Overall, 33 centres completed the survey, of which the oldest LS registry was established in 1992 in Sao Paulo (Brazil), and the youngest this year in San Jose (Costa Rica). In total, 87% (26/30) of the participating centres/registries belonging to the nine countries are performing genetic testing. Overall, 1352 suspected families were sequenced. Pathogenic variants were identified in 34% of the families, with slightly differing distribution of variants between females and males. Path_MLH1 variants were identified in 39% of females and 50% of males (p = 0.023), while path_MSH2 were identified in 37% of females and males, followed by path_PMS2 in 11% of females and 8% of males, path_MSH6 in 13% of females and 3% of males (p < 0.001) and path_EPCAM in 0.3% of females and 2% of males. In Latin America, 9 of 12 (75%) participating countries had implemented healthcare for LS. LS screening is inconsistently applied within Latin America healthcare systems because of structural differences in the healthcare systems between the countries.

Observations from a nationwide vigilance program in medical care for spinal muscular atrophy patients in Chile / Atrofia muscular espinal en Chile, resultados de un programa de atención médica nacional

ABSTRACT Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has gained much attention in the last few years because of the approval of the first intrathecal treatment for this neurodegenerative disease. Latin America needs to develop the demographics of SMA, timely access to diagnosis, and appropriate following of the standards of care recommendations for patients. These are essential steps to guide health policies. Methods This was a descriptive study of a cohort of SMA patients from all over Chile. We analyzed the clinical, motor functional, and social data, as well as the care status of nutritional, respiratory and skeletal conditions. We also measured the SMN2 copy number in this population. Results We recruited 92 patients: 50 male; 23 SMA type-1, 36 SMA type-2 and 33 SMA type-3. The median age at genetic diagnosis was 5, 24 and 132 months. We evaluated the SMN2 copy number in 57 patients. The SMA type-1 patients were tracheostomized and fed by gastrostomy in a 69.6 % of cases, 65% of SMA type-2 patients received nocturnal noninvasive ventilation, and 37% of the whole cohort underwent scoliosis surgery. Conclusion Ventilatory care for SMA type-1 is still based mainly on tracheostomy. This Chilean cohort of SMA patients had timely access to genetic diagnosis, ventilatory assistance, nutritional support, and scoliosis surgery. In this series, SMA type-1 is underrepresented, probably due to restrictions in access to early diagnosis and the high and early mortality rate.

La Atrofia Muscular Espinal (AME) ha concitado mucha atención en los últimos 2 años debido a la aprobación del primer tratamiento intratecal para esta enfermedad neurodegenerativa. América Latina necesita desarrollar la demografía de AME, un acceso oportuno al diagnóstico y un seguimiento apropiado de los pacientes que incorporen los estándares de atención recomendados por expertos. Estos son pasos esenciales para orientar las futuras políticas de salud en esta enfermedad. Métodos Este es un estudio descriptivo de una cohorte de pacientes con AME de todo el país. Se analizaron los datos clínicos, motores, funcionales, sociales y el estado nutricional, respiratorio y esquelético de los pacientes. También medimos el número de copias del gen SMN2 en esta población. Resultados se reclutaron 92 pacientes, 50 varones; 23 AME tipo 1, 36 AME tipo 2 y 33 AME tipo 3. La edad media al diagnóstico genético fue de 5, 24 y 132 meses respectivamente. Evaluamos el número de copias de SMN2 en 57 pacientes. Un 69,6% de los pacientes con AME tipo 1 estaban traqueostomízados y gastrostomizados , un 65% de los pacientes con AME tipo 2 usaban ventilación nocturna no invasiva y el 37% de toda la cohorte presentaba una cirugía de escoliosis. Conclusión Esta cohorte chilena de pacientes con AME tuvo acceso oportuno al diagnóstico genético, asistencia ventilatoria, apoyo nutricional y cirugía de escoliosis, sin embargo, la atención ventilatoria para AME tipo 1 continúa aun basándose principalmente en la traqueostomía. En esta serie, AME tipo 1 está subrepresentada, probablemente debido a las restricciones en el acceso al diagnóstico temprano y la tasa de mortalidad alta y temprana.

From colorectal cancer pattern to the characterization of individuals at risk: Picture for genetic research in Latin America.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers in Latin America and the Caribbean, with the highest rates reported for Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina. We provide a global snapshot of the CRC patterns, how screening is performed, and compared/contrasted to the genetic profile of Lynch syndrome (LS) in the region. From the literature, we find that only nine (20%) of the Latin America and the Caribbean countries have developed guidelines for early detection of CRC, and also with a low adherence. We describe a genetic profile of LS, including a total of 2,685 suspected families, where confirmed LS ranged from 8% in Uruguay and Argentina to 60% in Peru. Among confirmed LS, path_MLH1 variants were most commonly identified in Peru (82%), Mexico (80%), Chile (60%), and path_MSH2/EPCAM variants were most frequently identified in Colombia (80%) and Argentina (47%). Path_MSH6 and path_PMS2 variants were less common, but they showed important presence in Brazil (15%) and Chile (10%), respectively. Important differences exist at identifying LS families in Latin American countries, where the spectrum of path_MLH1 and path_MSH2 variants are those most frequently identified. Our findings have an impact on the evaluation of the patients and their relatives at risk for LS, derived from the gene affected. Although the awareness of hereditary cancer and genetic testing has improved in the last decade, it is remains deficient, with 39%-80% of the families not being identified for LS among those who actually met both the clinical criteria for LS and showed MMR deficiency.

The relationship between chemokines CCL2, CCL3, and CCL4 with the tumor microenvironment and tumor-associated macrophage markers in colorectal cancer.

A complex network of chemokines can influence cancer progression with the recruitment and activation of hematopoietic cells, including macrophages to the supporting tumor stroma promoting carcinogenesis and metastasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between tissue and plasma chemokine levels involved in macrophage recruitment with tumor-associated macrophage profile markers and clinicopathological features such as tumor-node-metastases stage, desmoplasia, tumor necrosis factor-α, and vascular endothelial growth factor plasma content. Plasma and tumor/healthy mucosa were obtained from Chilean patients undergoing colon cancer surgery. Chemokines were evaluated from tissue lysates (CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, and CX3CL1) by Luminex. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon match-paired test ( p < 0.05). Macrophage markers (CD68, CD163, and iNOS) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry samples derived from colorectal cancer patients. Correlation analysis between chemokines and macrophage markers and clinicopathological features were performed using Spearman's test. Plasmatic levels of chemokines and inflammatory mediators' vascular endothelial growth factor and tumor necrosis factor-α were evaluated by Luminex. Tumor levels of CCL2 (mean ± standard deviation = 530.1 ± 613.9 pg/mg), CCL3 (102.7 ± 106.0 pg/mg), and CCL4 (64.98 ± 48.09 pg/mg) were higher than those found in healthy tissue (182.1 ± 116.5, 26.79 ± 22.40, and 27.06 ± 23.69 pg/mg, respectively p < 0.05). The tumor characterization allowed us to identify a positive correlation between CCL4 and the pro-tumor macrophages marker CD163 ( p = 0.0443), and a negative correlation of iNOS with desmoplastic reaction ( p = 0.0467). Moreover, we identified that tumors with immature desmoplasia have a higher CD163 density compared to those with a mature/intermediated stromal tissue ( p = 0.0288). Plasmatic CCL4 has shown a positive correlation with inflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor-α and vascular endothelial growth factor) that have previously been associated with poor prognosis in patients. In conclusion High expression of CCL4 in colon cancer could induce the infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages and specifically a pro-tumor macrophage profile (CD163+ cells). Moreover, plasmatic chemokines could be considered inflammatory mediators associated to CRC progression as well as tumor necrosis factor-α and vascular endothelial growth factor. These data reinforce the idea of chemokines as potential therapeutic targets or biomarker in CRC.

Evaluation of MLH1 variants of unclear significance.

Inactivating mutations in the MLH1 gene cause the cancer predisposition Lynch syndrome, but for small coding genetic variants it is mostly unclear if they are inactivating or not. Nine such MLH1 variants have been identified in South American colorectal cancer (CRC) patients (p.Tyr97Asp, p.His112Gln, p.Pro141Ala, p.Arg265Pro, p.Asn338Ser, p.Ile501del, p.Arg575Lys, p.Lys618del, p.Leu676Pro), and evidence of pathogenicity or neutrality was not available for the majority of these variants. We therefore performed biochemical laboratory testing of the variant proteins and compared the results to protein in silico predictions on structure and conservation. Additionally, we collected all available clinical information of the families to come to a conclusion concerning their pathogenic potential and facilitate clinical diagnosis in the affected families. We provide evidence that four of the alterations are causative for Lynch syndrome, four are likely neutral and one shows compromised activity which can currently not be classified with respect to its pathogenic potential. The work demonstrates that biochemical testing, corroborated by congruent evolutionary and structural information, can serve to reliably classify uncertain variants when other data are insufficient.

A survey of the clinicopathological and molecular characteristics of patients with suspected Lynch syndrome in Latin America.

BACKGROUND: Genetic counselling and testing for Lynch syndrome (LS) have recently been introduced in several Latin America countries. We aimed to characterize the clinical, molecular and mismatch repair (MMR) variants spectrum of patients with suspected LS in Latin America. METHODS: Eleven LS hereditary cancer registries and 34 published LS databases were used to identify unrelated families that fulfilled the Amsterdam II (AMSII) criteria and/or the Bethesda guidelines or suggestive of a dominant colorectal (CRC) inheritance syndrome. RESULTS: We performed a thorough investigation of 15 countries and identified 6 countries where germline genetic testing for LS is available and 3 countries where tumor testing is used in the LS diagnosis. The spectrum of pathogenic MMR variants included MLH1 up to 54%, MSH2 up to 43%, MSH6 up to 10%, PMS2 up to 3% and EPCAM up to 0.8%. The Latin America MMR spectrum is broad with a total of 220 different variants which 80% were private and 20% were recurrent. Frequent regions included exons 11 of MLH1 (15%), exon 3 and 7 of MSH2 (17 and 15%, respectively), exon 4 of MSH6 (65%), exons 11 and 13 of PMS2 (31% and 23%, respectively). Sixteen international founder variants in MLH1, MSH2 and MSH6 were identified and 41 (19%) variants have not previously been reported, thus representing novel genetic variants in the MMR genes. The AMSII criteria was the most used clinical criteria to identify pathogenic MMR carriers although microsatellite instability, immunohistochemistry and family history are still the primary methods in several countries where no genetic testing for LS is available yet. CONCLUSION: The Latin America LS pathogenic MMR variants spectrum included new variants, frequently altered genetic regions and potential founder effects, emphasizing the relevance implementing Lynch syndrome genetic testing and counseling in all of Latin America countries.

EGFR pathway subgroups in Chilean colorectal cancer patients, detected by mutational and expression profiles, associated to different clinicopathological features.

Colorectal cancer is a multistep process affecting several signaling pathways including EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), a therapeutic target for metastatic disease. Our aim was to characterize the mutational and expression profiles of the EGFR pathway in colorectal tumors and to integrate these results according to five previously defined groups. We screened seven genes for mutations ( KRAS-BRAF-PIK3CA-PIK3R1-AKT1-MAP2K1-PTEN) and six proteins (EGFR-p110α-p85α-PTEN-phosphoAKT-phosphoMEK1) by immunohistochemistry, PTEN deletion, and MSI. At least one mutated gene was observed in 68% of tumors ( KRAS 45%, PIK3CA 21%, BRAF 14%, and PTEN 7%). PTEN deletion was observed in 10.7% of tumors and 19.6% were MSI-High. In all, 54% of tumors showed a high EGFR expression, 48% p110α, 4.4% phosphoAKT, and 22% phosphoMEK1; and 43% showed low PTEN expression and 22% p85α. In total, five groups of tumors were defined based on MSI, BRAF, and KRAS mutations. Three groups gather mainly early-stage tumors, whereas a fourth group is mostly conformed by advanced tumors. We described here that 71.4% of tumors from one group have a mutated PI3K/PTEN pathway, in comparison to other groups having 32%, 27%, and 25%. In addition, the five groups are differentiated by molecular features such as EGFR, p85α, p110α, and PTEN, showing variable expression among tumor groups. In conclusion, alterations on the EGFR pathway were found in a high percentage of colorectal cancer patients. Using the integration of diverse molecular markers, we ratified previous classification in an ethnic group having relevant genetic differences and living in a different environmental background, adding complementary molecular targets related to therapy.

Low Gene Dosage of Cdc42 Is Not Associated with Protein Dysfunction in Patients with Colorectal Cancer.

High incidence of Rho Cdc42-GTPase overexpression has been found in Colorectal Cancer (CRC) samples, suggesting its potential role in tumor development. However, no conclusive studies have shown the lack of mutations and/or copy number of Cdc42 gene in this type of samples. To understand mutation/deletion and copy number status of Cdc42 gene, CRC patients were evaluated for both parameters. More than Cdc42 mutants, single-nucleotide variants were found. Analysis of regions flanking the Cdc42 gene showed allelic imbalance; 58.7% were loss of heterozygosity (LOH) positive and 14.8% presented microsatellite instability. The highest LOH percentage was located between microsatellite markers D1S199 and D1S2674, where the Cdc42 gene is located. No association between gender, age, and tumor stage was found. LOH validation through gene dosage analysis showed most CRC patients with allelic imbalance also presented a low gene dosage of Cdc42, although equal amounts of Cdc42 mRNA were detected in all samples. Although changes in Cdc42 expression were not found in any condition, Cdc42 activation was different between high and normal gene dosage samples, but not between samples with normal and low copy number. Low dosage of Cdc42 was also not related to changes in methylation status at the Cdc42 promoter region. Results suggest that low copy of Cdc42 gene is not associated with Cdc42 protein dysfunction in CRC patients.

Lynch syndrome in South America: past, present and future.

After decades of unawareness about Lynch syndrome, the medical community in South America is increasingly interested and informed. The visits and support of mentors like H. T. Lynch had been crucial to this awakening. Several countries have at least one registry with skilled personnel in genetic counseling and research. However, this only represents a very restricted resource for the region. According to the GETH, there are 27 hereditary cancer care centers in South America (21 in Brazil, 3 in Argentina, 1 in Uruguay, 1 in Chile and 1 in Peru). These registries differ in fundamental aspects of function, capabilities and funding, but are able to conduct high quality clinical, research and educational activities due to the dedication and personal effort of their members, and organizational support. More support from the governments as well as the participation of the community would boost the initiatives of people leading these groups. Meantime, the collaboration among the South American registries and the involvement of registries and leaders from developed countries will allow to maximize the efficiency in caring for affected patients and their families. The aim of this article is to describe how the knowledge of LS began to be spread in South America, how the first registries were organized and to summarize the current state of progress. In addition, we will provide an update of the clinical and molecular findings in the region.

Pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency presenting as isolated paroxysmal exercise induced dystonia successfully reversed with thiamine supplementation. Case report and mini-review.

BACKGROUND: Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) deficiency is a disorder of energy metabolism with variable clinical presentations, ranging from severe infantile lactic acidosis to milder chronic neurological disorders. The spectrum of clinical manifestations is continuously expanding. METHODS AND RESULTS: We report on a 19-year-old intelligent female with PDH deficiency caused by a Leu216Ser mutation in PDHA1. She presented with recurrent hemidystonic attacks, triggered by prolonged walking or running, as the unique clinical manifestation that manifested since childhood. Laboratory workup and neuroimages were initially normal but bilateral globus pallidum involvement appeared later on brain MRI. Dystonia completely remitted after high doses of thiamine, remaining free of symptoms after 3 years of follow up. We reviewed the literature for similar observations. CONCLUSIONS: Dystonia precipitated by exercise may be the only symptom of a PDH deficiency, and the hallmark of the disease as high serum lactate or bilateral striatal necrosis at neuroimaging may be absent. A high index of suspicion and follow up is necessary for diagnosis. The clinical presentation of this patient meets the criteria for a Paroxysmal Exercise induced Dystonia, leading us to add this entity as another potential etiology for this type of paroxysmal dyskinesia, which is besides a treatable condition that responds to thiamine supplementation.